Specialist criminal defence firm
The firm practises exclusively in criminal law. That focus means deeper familiarity with criminal procedure, court expectations, prosecutorial decision-making and the strategic pressures clients face.
Specialist criminal defence · Melbourne
Criminal defence, led by a specialist.
Senior-led strategy. Careful preparation. Court-ready representation, from urgent bail applications to serious indictable matters and appeals.
Accredited SpecialistCriminal law
Experience that runs the length of the criminal justice system.
15+years practising criminal law
2009admitted to practice
2018Sarah Pratt & Associates founded
VLAVictoria Legal Aid panel firm, indictable & summary
Accredited & member
Our approach
Specialist defence work is deliberate, prepared and senior-led.
The firm practises exclusively in criminal law and prepares every case with precision, discretion and strategic force.
Senior-led strategy
Every matter is guided by Sarah Pratt's specialist experience, with clear advice, careful preparation and continuity across the life of the case.
Court-ready representation
From urgent bail applications to appeals and indictable matters, the firm prepares each case with precision, discretion and urgency.
About the principal
Meet Sarah
Sarah Pratt is the principal of Sarah Pratt & Associates, which she founded in 2018. She holds a Bachelor of Laws from La Trobe University and a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Journalism from RMIT. She was admitted in 2009 and has more than 15 years' experience in criminal law. That includes several years at Victoria Legal Aid, where she rose to Senior Lawyer in the Indictable Crime team and handled complex matters with a focus on homicide. Sarah believes strong solicitor advocacy early in a matter is integral to a client's defence.
- Law Institute Accredited Specialist
- Former Senior Lawyer, VLA Indictable Crime
- Bachelor of Laws, La Trobe
- BA & BJourn, RMIT
Practice areas
What are you facing?
Comprehensive criminal defence services for complex, urgent and sensitive matters, in courts across Victoria and interstate.
Homicides & serious offences
The most serious matters, prepared from day one.Representation in murder, manslaughter and other serious indictable matters in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.
Bail applications
Time-critical. Available 24/7.Urgent bail applications across all jurisdictions, including the Supreme Court, for clients in custody.
Drug offences
From possession to trafficking.Trafficking, possession, cultivation and supply matters across all Victorian courts and interstate.
Appeals
A second look, properly considered.Conviction and sentence appeals in the County Court, Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.
Assault & personal offences
Clear advice when allegations are personal.Common assault, serious assault, threats and other offences against the person.
Driving matters
Protecting your licence and your record.Drink driving, drug driving, dangerous driving, licence matters and other traffic offences.
Intervention orders
Measured representation in sensitive matters.Defending applications and representing respondents in family violence and personal safety intervention order matters.
Theft, burglary & property
Practical defence for property charges.Theft, burglary, aggravated burglary, robbery and related property offences.
Firearm matters & FPOs
Specialist knowledge of firearms law.Unlicensed possession, trafficking, prohibited persons matters and Firearm Prohibition Order applications.
Conspiracies & attempts
Complex charges need careful case theory.Representation in conspiracy charges, attempts, and inchoate offences across all jurisdictions.
Judicial reviews
When a decision was not lawfully made.Challenging decisions of magistrates, tribunals and government bodies in the Supreme Court where the law has been misapplied or a fair process not followed.
Correctional complaints
Advocacy for people in custody.Complaints and applications about treatment, classification, conditions and decisions affecting people in custody.
Illegal searches & section 138 applications
Improperly obtained evidence can be excluded.Challenging unlawful searches and applying under section 138 of the Evidence Act 2008 to exclude evidence obtained improperly or illegally.
Not sure where you stand?
Criminal matters rarely fit neatly into one category. If you are unsure what you are facing, contact the firm for confidential advice on the next step.
Firm capability
The resources of a focused defence practice, without losing senior attention.
Major matter preparation
Serious criminal cases are built well before the first contested hearing.
The firm focuses on evidence review, procedural strategy, negotiation posture, court readiness and client communication from the earliest stage.
From the earliest stage
- Evidence review
- Procedural strategy
- Negotiation posture
- Court readiness
- Client communication
- First contested hearing
Urgent response
Bail, arrest, interview and custody matters are treated as time-critical, with practical advice focused on immediate risk.
Strategic case theory
Each matter is assessed for the prosecution case, available defences, negotiation points and likely court pathway.
Senior-led continuity
Clients receive clear direction from a specialist-led practice, with continuity across preparation, advice and appearances.
Specialist court network
The firm works from Melbourne's CBD and draws on established criminal-law relationships where matters require additional counsel or expert input.
Preparation starts with the first conversation.
Your rights
Before you speak to police.
Early advice protects your position, whether you are accused of an offence or reporting one.
Seek advice before any interview
Sarah Pratt & Associates recommends that an accused person always seek legal advice before being interviewed by police.
Police powers to question you
Police do not have a power to discuss matters with potential persons of interest. They may only do so where they have the power to arrest and interview.
If you are a complainant
Sarah Pratt & Associates recommends that complainants consider whether to seek advice before providing a statement to police.
24/7 urgent assistance
Arrested, charged, or facing an interview?
Early advice can change the course of a matter. Sarah Pratt & Associates is available around the clock for urgent criminal matters.
Contact
Book a confidential consultation.
For urgent criminal matters, early advice can make a meaningful difference. Contact Sarah Pratt & Associates for clear, confidential guidance from a specialist criminal defence firm.
24/7 urgent assistance
0430 201 331
For matters requiring immediate legal advice.