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Melbourne’s leading criminal defence and intervention order lawyers 

Urgent Help

Act Fast. Protect Your Rights.

Control What Happens Next.

Charged, under investigation or dealing with an intervention order?

The decisions you make now can directly impact your case, your record and your future.

Our accredited criminal law specialists can provide immediate, strategic advice to protect your position from the outset.

Speak to a Lawyer Now

Criminal law isn’t just part of what we do. It’s all we do.

Specialist Criminal Defence & Intervention Order Lawyers

At Emma Turnbull Lawyers, we represent clients in serious criminal matters and complex intervention order cases across Melbourne and Victoria.

We appear daily in the Magistrates’, County and Supreme Courts, providing strategic advice and strong advocacy at every stage, from police interviews and bail applications through to contested hearings and jury trials.

We understand that our clients come to us at one of the most stressful points in their lives. Our role is to provide clear direction, protect your position, and achieve the strongest possible outcome.

We are trusted to act in high-stakes matters where experience, strategy, and advocacy make the difference.

Speak to our Defence Team

Our Services

Specialist Criminal Defence,
Tailored to Your Case

We practise exclusively in criminal defence and intervention order matters. Our lawyers are recognised as specialist IVO lawyers, trusted to handle both applicant and respondent cases with discretion, strength, and proven courtroom expertise.

Bail Applications

Strategic applications to secure release while awaiting trial.

Children’s Court

Specialist advocacy for young people.

Committal Hearings

Challenging the prosecution’s case before trial.

Jury Trials

Skilled trial preparation and courtroom advocacy.

Pre-Interview Advice

What to say (and not say) before speaking to police.

Summary Crime

Fast, effective representation for summary offences.

Intervention Orders

Expert advice and representation in IVO matters.

Royal Commissions

Guidance and representation in complex inquiries.

Drug Offences

Defence strategies from possession to trafficking charges.

Driving Offences

Drink/drug driving, licence suspensions, & serious road matters.

Sex Offences

Discreet, experienced representation in sensitive cases.

White Collar Crime

Complex financial crime, strategically contested.

Spent Convictions

Defence for theft, burglary, and handling stolen goods.

Corruption, Bribery and Misconduct

Strong defence in serious indictable cases.

Appeals & Appellate Law

Challenging convictions and sentences at higher courts.

Specialist Advice on Every Matter

Every case is overseen by an Accredited Criminal Law Specialist.

At Emma Turnbull Lawyers, every partner is an Accredited Criminal Law Specialist, a qualification held by only a small number of lawyers in Victoria.

This means your matter is not delegated or handled by generalist practitioners. You receive experienced, specialist advice from lawyers who focus exclusively on criminal law and intervention order matters.

We provide strategic guidance, strong advocacy, and representation tailored to the seriousness and complexity of your case.

Speak to a Specialist now 

Why Choose Us

The Right Team.
The Right Results.

When your freedom, career, or reputation is on the line, you need more than just a lawyer you need a specialist. Here's why clients choose Emma Turnbull Lawyers time & again:

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Specialist Criminal Defence Only

We focus only on criminal law and intervention orders. No distractions, no general practice — just specialist expertise delivering sharper strategies and stronger results.

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Accredited & Experienced

Led by Accredited Criminal Law Specialists, our team brings over 100 years of combined courtroom knowledge, daily advocacy, and proven defence across Victoria's courts.

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Proven Results & Reputation

With 190+ five-star Google reviews and industry recognition, clients trust us for clear advice, compassionate guidance, and outcomes that protect rights, reputations, and futures.

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case studies

Real cases. Real clients. Real outcomes.

How a case is prepared and handled can change the outcome.

We act in a wide range of criminal and intervention order matters from summary offences (like drink and drug driving) to serious indictable charges (including homicides, drug trafficking, rape). These cases can be contested trials or negotiated pleas depending on the circumstances and evidence.

Our case studies reflect real matters we have handled, outlining the charges, the circumstances, the strategy applied and the outcome achieved.

They are designed to give you a clear understanding of how similar matters are approached, and what can make a difference in your case.

Every case is different but experience, preparation, and strategy consistently shape the result.

If you’re facing criminal charges or an intervention order, understanding how cases like yours are handled can be critical.

→ Explore case results
→ Learn more about our criminal defence experience

CLIENT VOICES

“Emma Turnbull Lawyers have been nothing short of exceptional. From the very first conversation, I felt supported, respected, and genuinely listened to. Their team is incredibly professional, honest, and dedicated to getting the best possible outcome for their clients.
They explained everything clearly, kept me updated at every step, and never made me feel rushed or confused. What stood out the most was how much they truly care — not just about the case, but about you as a person. Their attention to detail, confidence, and experience made the whole process smooth and stress-free.
If you need a legal team that actually fights for you and treats you with real respect, I highly recommend Emma Turnbull Lawyers. They turned a difficult situation into something manageable, and I’m genuinely grateful for their help.”

client

Ibbyo Osman - Google Review

2025

“Please guys if you ever come across some serious legal issues do yourselves a favour and see Emma Turnbull. She was very good from start to end and proof here I am breathing so much better. Thanks Emma and team.”

client

Cheikh Talib – Google Review

2025

“Adrian and the team at Emma Turnbull are the best people to go to if you need a good, solid, and reputable lawyer. Open and honest, non judgmental and very caring, you definitely get your money's worth here.
Very happy with the service, and extremely pleased with the positive outcome I've received.”

client

Rick Razor – Google Review

2025

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Meet Our Team

Meet the team behind your defence.

Experienced criminal defence lawyers and Accredited Specialists handling serious criminal and intervention order matters. 

At Emma Turnbull Lawyers, your matter is handled by a team of experienced advocates and Accredited Criminal Law Specialists who appear daily across Victoria’s courts.

Each lawyer brings strong courtroom experience, strategic thinking, and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome, whether your matter involves criminal charges or an intervention order.

You are not passed between departments or handled by general practitioners. You are represented by lawyers who focus exclusively on criminal law and understand how to manage high-stakes matters from the outset.

The difference is experience, strategy, and the ability to act decisively when it matters most.

Emma Turnbull

Criminal Defence Lawyer | Director

Emma Turnbull is a Director and the founding partner of Emma Turnbull Lawyers Pty Ltd. Emma established the practice in 2011 after several years in specialist private practice criminal law firms in Melbourne.

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Adrian Lewin

Criminal Defence Lawyer | Director

Adrian Lewin joined our team of leading criminal defence lawyers at Emma Turnbull Lawyers in 2015. As a Director, Adrian has wealth of practice experience, highly refined analytical and advocacy skills to the team.

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Manny Brennan

Criminal Defence Lawyer | Partner

Shortly after his admission to practice in 2015, Manny joined our team of leading criminal defence lawyers at Emma Turnbull Lawyers. He immediately began to hone his skills as a criminal defence lawyer and enjoyed early career success

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Common Questions

We’ve got the answers you need.

Still have a questions?

If you’re searching for experienced criminal lawyers in Melbourne, you’re likely facing one of the most stressful moments of your life. You don’t need vague answers or generic advice, you need clear strategy, strong advocacy, and lawyers who know the system inside out.

The earlier you get advice, the stronger your defence.

Speak directly with a criminal lawyer today.

Contact Us Now

What does a criminal defence lawyer actually do?

A criminal defence lawyer protects your rights, challenges the prosecution case, and guides you through what is often the most stressful period of your life.

At Emma Turnbull Lawyers, we don’t just “process” files, we build defence strategies, appear regularly in court, and fight to achieve the best possible outcome for every client.

When should I speak to a criminal lawyer?

As early as possible. If police have contacted you, you’ve been charged, or you believe charges may be coming, early legal advice can make a critical difference.

Decisions made at the beginning of a case often shape the outcome and mistakes made early can be hard to undo.

Do you represent clients in serious and complex matters?

Yes. Emma Turnbull Lawyers is a specialist criminal defence firm with extensive experience in serious and indictable offences, including matters in the Magistrates’, County and Supreme Courts of Victoria.

Our lawyers regularly appear in contested hearings, committals and jury trials.

Can you help with Intervention Orders (IVO matters)?

Absolutely. We act for both applicants and respondents in Intervention Order proceedings.

These matters often overlap with criminal charges and family law issues, which is why strategic advice from experienced IVO lawyers is essential from the outset.

Why choose Emma Turnbull Lawyers?

We are a specialist, female-led criminal defence firm known for strong advocacy, clear advice, and genuine care for our clients.

Our lawyers are highly trained, courtroom-focused, and deeply committed to protecting your future not just resolving your file.

CLIP Program Highlight

Investing in the future
of criminal defence.

The Criminal Law Internship Program (CLIP) is a structured training program developed by Emma Turnbull Lawyers to give law students and graduate lawyers genuine, hands-on experience in criminal defence practice.
Participants work closely with accredited criminal law specialists and experienced advocates, gaining real exposure to police interviews, court procedure, file strategy, and client management, in addition to Court observation, for a meaningful exposure to criminal law in practice.
CLIP reflects our commitment to excellence in criminal defence, professional mentorship, and the long-term strength of the legal profession.

Learn More About CLIP

News & Insights

Stay informed with clear insights on Victoria’s criminal law system.

From police interviews to courtroom strategy, our blogs explain complex legal issues in plain language so you feel informed, prepared, and supported at every stage.

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Willful Damage vs Criminal Damage: Key Differences Explained

Property damage allegations can arise from heated disputes, vandalism incidents or misunderstandings. Once police become involved, the legal language used…
March 17, 2026 Read More

Caught Drink Driving in Victoria? Penalties Including Disqualification Periods

Drink driving in Victoria carries strict penalties intended to hold drivers accountable and reduce risk on the road. For those…
February 11, 2026 Read More

Navigating Imprisonment in Victoria: A Guide for Families

Introduction When a loved one is taken into custody, it can feel like your world has been turned upside down.…
November 19, 2025 Read More

Don’t leave your defence to change

Serious criminal matters demand specialist advice. Whether it’s a police investigation, an intervention order, or a court appearance, our accredited criminal defence lawyers act decisively to protect your rights and your future.
At Emma Turnbull Lawyers, we provide clear, strategic advice and strong advocacy when your rights, reputation, and future are on the line.

Speak with our team today

Learn more about our work

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