Criminal Defence Lawyers Melbourne

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PROVEN RESULTS

Melbourne criminal defence lawyers backed by over 26 years of experience with proven results.

Balot Reilly Criminal Lawyers practises exclusively in criminal law. Led by Principal Criminal Defence Lawyer George Balot, who has more than 26 years of experience, our Melbourne criminal defence lawyers provide strategic representation for people charged with criminal offences across Victoria.

We regularly appear in the County Court of Victoria and Magistrates’ Courts across Victoria. Our lawyers know the courts, understand criminal procedure, and prepare every matter with a focus on protecting our clients’ freedom, reputation, and future.

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COURTROOM HOURS

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CLIENTS HELPED

GEORGE BALOT HAS 

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YEARS OF CRIMINAL DEFENCE EXPERIENCE

Criminal Defence Practice Areas

As experienced Melbourne criminal defence lawyers, we have successfully represented clients facing complex and serious criminal charges across Victoria and Australia. Our team provides clear, strategic legal advice and develops a structured, step-by-step defence strategy tailored to the circumstances of each case. From the earliest stage of an investigation through to court proceedings, our lawyers focus on identifying the strongest legal arguments and opportunities to achieve the best possible outcome

We provide expert defence across all areas of criminal law, including drink driving, drug offences, assault, fraud, and traffic matters.

DRUG CHARGES

A drug offence conviction can affect your employment,  freedom to travel or visa status. It is critical that you consult a criminal lawyer if your are facing a drug possession, trafficking, manufacturing, cultivation or importation charge.

TRAFFIC OFFENCES

We defend all driving offences, including speeding, careless driving, dangerous driving, and driving whilst suspended. Our goal is to minimise fines, avoid licence disqualification, and achieve the best possible outcome in court.

DRINK DRIVING

Our Melbourne criminal lawyers are experts in drink driving offences. We work to challenge the charges and protect your ability to drive.

DRUG DRIVING

Our experienced criminal lawyers challenge drug detect procedures, test results, and police conduct. We aim to reduce penalties, protect your licence, and resolve your matter efficiently.

ASSAULTS

A conviction for assault can result in life altering consequences for your employability, personal reputation, and relationships. Our criminal lawyers will consider multiple strategies to defend your case.

WEAPONS & FIREARM CHARGES

Firearms and weapons charges are serious and can result in a conviction. We defend all weapon-related charges, including possession, use, and trafficking, ensuring your rights are protecting your future.

FRAUD, THEFT & DISHONESTY

Our criminal lawyers represent clients charged with fraud, theft and dishonesty offences across Victoria. We provide tailored legal strategies aimed at reducing penalties and avoiding conviction.

WHITE COLLAR CRIME

We act for professionals and individuals facing serious financial and corporate crime allegations. Our Melbourne criminal lawyers provide discreet, strategic defence in complex white collar matters, including fraud and regulatory offences.

Police interviews & interrogation

If you have been contacted by police or asked to attend an interview, it is critical to get legal advice immediately. We guide you through police interviews to protect your rights and prevent self-incrimination.

Bail Applications

If you or a loved one has been refused bail, we can urgently prepare and represent you in bail applications. Our criminal defence lawyers work quickly and diligently to secure your release and ensure the best possible chance of success.

Sexual Offences

We provide expert legal representation for sexual offence allegations and charges. Our criminal lawyers offer confidential advice, strategic defence, and dedicated support throughout the investigation and court process.

Intervention Orders & Domestic Violence

We represent applicants and respondents in all IVO matters. Our lawyers provide clear advice and strong advocacy to protect your rights and future.

Leaving the Scene of an Accident

Charged with failing to stop or leaving the scene of an accident in Victoria? Our traffic lawyers assess the evidence, advise you on your options, and work to minimise penalties and protect your licence.

Fines & Sheriff's Warrants

Outstanding fines and sheriff’s warrants can escalate quickly. We help you resolve enforcement action, avoid further penalties, and regain control of your situation with practical legal solutions.

Court Appeals & Judicial Review

If you have been convicted or believe a decision was unfair, you may have grounds to appeal. Our criminal lawyers provide expert advice on appeals and judicial review to challenge convictions and sentences.

Private & Public Examinations

We represent clients required to attend compulsory examinations, including IBAC and other investigative bodies. It is essential to obtain legal advice before attending to protect your rights.

Coronial Inquests

We provide compassionate and strategic representation in coronial inquests. Whether you are a witness or a family member seeking answers, we guide you through the process with care and expertise.

FIRST STEPS WHEN FACING A CRIMINAL CHARGE

Our experienced Melbourne criminal defence lawyers will protect your rights and defend you at every stage.

1

Detailed Analysis and Strategic Planning

We review the charges against you, provide clear legal advice and develop a strategic defence plan focused on achieving the strongest possible outcome.

2

Negotiate with the Police

We carefully examine the evidence, identify weaknesses in the prosecution case and negotiate strategically with prosecutors to achieve the best possible outcome.

3

Advocacy in Court

Advocacy in court Balot Reilly Criminal Lawyers

If criminal charges cannot be withdrawn or resolved on favourable terms, your Melbourne criminal defence lawyer will carefully prepare your matter for trial and ensure you feel fully informed and confident throughout the court process.

LEGAL REPRESENTATION FROM INVESTIGATION TO COURT

From the moment police make contact through to court appearances, contested hearings, and sentencing, Balot Reilly Criminal Lawyers provide strategic criminal defence representation in Melbourne and across Victoria.  We represent clients throughout the entire criminal justice process, including police investigations, bail applications, court mentions, contested hearings, and sentencing in the Magistrates’ Court and County Court of Victoria. 

  • Mr Balot and his team are champions. From the beginning, Mr Balot and his team demonstrated a very high level of professionalism, expertise, and dedication to the case. They handled the matter with great care and attention to detail, and it was clear throughout the process that case was in... read more

    mostafa hassani Avatar mostafa

    I cannot recommend Ballot Reilly highly enough — and I say that as someone who came to them in the most stressful, life-altering circumstances imaginable. I reached out on the weekend and was on the phone with George in less than an hour. George and Luke handled my matter with professionalism,... read more

    Amiri K Avatar Amiri

    I recently called this lawyer for advice, and I’m so grateful that I did. From the moment he answered the phone, he was patient, professional, and genuinely willing to help. He took the time to listen carefully to my situation and gave me clear, practical advice that was incredibly helpful. What... read more

    Nancy Lovito Avatar Nancy

    After months of trying to help a close friend find the right lawyer, we finally came across George from Balot Reilly Lawyers. One meeting was all it took to set him on the right track. George listened carefully, gave clear and practical advice, and made a complicated situation feel manageable. If... read more

    Monty Avatar Monty
  • I couldn’t have asked for better representation than the team at Balot Reilly. From our very first meeting, it was clear that I was in the hands of a highly experienced professional who truly knows the ins and outs of the legal system. What I appreciated most was how constructive the... read more

    Ali Shishani Avatar Ali

    We cannot express enough gratitude for the outstanding representation we received from George Balot and his team at Balot Reilly Criminal Lawyers. My 13-year-old daughter was falsely accused of an alleged sexual assault stemming from bullying, and it was one of the most frightening and devastating experiences our family has... read more

    Lisa Damevski Avatar Lisa

    George balot has been incredibly helpful and supportive. I’ve never dealt with anything like this before and had no idea what I was doing, but he’s been very understanding and has guided me through everything clearly. He took the time to get back to me and explain things in a... read more

    ashley v Avatar ashley

    Had a great chat with george in regard's to my case as he answered my call on the weekend explaining to me about facing 4 years drivers license suspension and was able to answer many questions and help guide me. He was extremely understanding, well spoken and was a... read more

    Luke Ebell Avatar Luke
  • Mr.George Balot is truly the best in the business. From the first meeting, he showed exceptional knowledge of criminal law and a clear, strategic approach with no false promises. What really sets him apart is how much he genuinely cares about his clients—he was always available, patient, and made sure... read more

    v s Avatar v

    From start to finish, Mr George Balot was the definition of professionalism during an incredibly challenging case. His compassion, empathy, and clear communication made all the difference. He led and managed his team seamlessly, ensuring every detail was handled at the highest level. We truly would have been lost without Mr Balot,... read more

    Ella W Avatar Ella

    George Balot - Principal Criminal Lawyer is exceptional, tenacious, strategic and completely no-nonsense. From start to finish, George fought relentlessly and achieved a phenomenal outcome against all odds. His dedication, professionalism and depth of knowledge truly set him apart. George is genuine and deeply invested in his clients. Seeing such an... read more

    jo thynne Avatar jo

    George was incredible to work with. He was prompt, professional, and extremely thorough from start to finish. Communication was clear and timely, and he always took the time to explain things in a way that was easy to understand. I felt genuinely supported and confident throughout the process. Highly recommend George... read more

    Manuka Vidyaratne Avatar Manuka
  • I've used high profile lawyers in the past, but none have been as helpful and easy to talk to as George Balot. George helped me get bail when it was looking unlikely I was able to get it, once my partner contacted George and explained my situation, he immediately contacted police... read more

    Tee Avatar Tee

    I left preparing for my case to the last minute, and finding a firm that would take on my case at such short notice was proving to be very difficult. Then someone mentioned Balot Reilly Criminal Lawyers and that changed everything for me. Not only did they take me on... read more

    TitaniumRaceTeam Avatar TitaniumRaceTeam

    So thankful & grateful for George at Balot Reilly for his professional and timely legal assistance in a last minute and urgent matter. George’s knowledge, understanding and kindness is unmatched. My family has now been relieved of a lot of stress, more so than ever expected and wouldn’t want anybody... read more

    Tegan Irby Avatar Tegan

    George Balot is exceptional at what he does, and the passion he has for criminal law is expressed in many of his attributes, the sound in his voice, the detail of his knowledge, and the after-care hours he provides his clients. 10:30pm Wednesday night, I was able to send a time... read more

    Damien Kelertas Avatar Damien
  • George is a well respected professional and has always been able to assist when called upon. His advice is unbelievable and is a professional lawyer. I recommend him for traffic offence.

    Albert Soliman Avatar Albert

    I can’t recommend George Balot from Balot & Riley Criminal Lawyers highly enough. George was incredibly thorough in analysing every aspect of my case and approached the matter with a level of professionalism that gave me confidence from day one. He communicated clearly, kept me informed throughout the process, and... read more

    Winter Steinhart Avatar Winter

    Amazing law firm. George Balot and his team of lawyers helped me through a really tough time. I had an intervention order IVO issued by police after a minor argument with my partner. George and Anna guided me seamlessly through every process leading up to - and finally squashed the... read more

    Master DG Avatar Master

    I had my first call with George and there is a reason why he has the reviews and the reputation that proceed him. He’s empathetic, reassuring and extensively knowledgeable. Thank you George for everything, Merry Christmas to you and your firm of highly regarded progressionals. Anyone looking for representation or... read more

    Jayden Healey Avatar Jayden

Experienced Criminal Lawyers in Melbourne

Balot Reilly Criminal Lawyers are trusted criminal lawyers in Melbourne. We practice exclusively within criminal law and bring over two decades of experience successfully defencing clients in a wide range of criminal matters.

As leading criminal defence lawyers in Melbourne, we represent clients in matters including drink driving offences, drug driving charges, traffic offences, assault, theft, fraud and complex criminal cases. Every matter is approached with precision, care, and a deep understanding of how to achieve the best possible outcome.

If you have been charged with a drink driving offence, it is critical to seek advice from experienced drink driving lawyers in Melbourne. These matters can carry serious consequences, including licence loss, fines, and potential imprisonment. Our team works to minimise penalties and protect your future.

We also provide expert representation in drug driving and drug-related offences. As experienced criminal lawyers in Melbourne, we understand the technical and procedural complexities involved in these matters and build strong, strategic defences tailored to each case.

Balot Reilly Criminal Lawyers are committed to guiding clients through every stage of the criminal justice process — from police interviews and bail applications through to court representation and appeals. Our approach is clear, strategic, and focused on achieving results.

If you are seeking experienced criminal defence lawyers in Melbourne, our team is ready to provide immediate advice and strong representation when it matters most.