Criminal Law Services

Our criminal lawyers can help you with the following criminal law services:

Michael Woods Principal of Woods & Co Lawyers in Adelaide

Criminal Law is a complex area of law. In recent times politicians have changed the law regularly in order to appear to be tough on crime. In reality, many of the rights that previously existed have been eroded.

In our view the presumption of innocence and the presumption of bail have been eroded. In addition, the discretion of the sentencing court has regularly been curtailed by imposing mandatory sentencing which can be difficult to avoid.

Our firm believes in being dynamic and across all facets of criminal law in South Australia.

We appear daily as counsel in all courts in Adelaide, the suburbs and the State of South Australia (if you would like to view which courts we attend please click here).

We listen to you and help you with your problem. We aim to achieve an outcome that recognises your goals. Whether you wish to fight the case or present a contrite guilty plea we can assist you. Call our friendly and experienced team on 08 8311 3111. We regularly appear in the Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeal in order to protect your rights.

call our friendly team on 08 8311 3111.

If you would like to follow us on Facebook click the link.

Criminal & Traffic Law Specialists in Adelaide

Woods & Co Lawyers Office Waiting Room

Our Criminal Lawyers Service Adelaide & Regional SA

Hayder Al Hamdany
Hayder Al Hamdany
25/10/2023
They are reliable, honest and operate with integrity. I recommend them to anyone who is looking for some great legal advocacy and support. Ben always takes the time to answer any questions I may have, and provides me with all the options available. As a new with a legal matter, it can be difficult to find a suitable lawyer. I was lucky to be connected to Ben. On another note, their charges were also very reasonable to the services they provided.
Sarah Budarick
Sarah Budarick
29/08/2023
I seriously have so much respect for woods and co especially Ben who has represented me. They are affordable, professional and aim for the best out come possible. The reception staff are also amazing.
tom warley
tom warley
09/08/2023
I can’t speak highly enough of my experience with Woods & Co. Hugh has helped me out on more than one occasion and kept my mind at ease whilst ensuring a positive outcome each time. I would definitely recommend their services to anyone.
Janice Collins
Janice Collins
16/06/2023
I would highly recommend Woods & Co Lawyers to others. A special thanks to Hugh for getting a good result quickly. To the ladies at the desk thank you for your wonderful support. Much appreciated 🙂
Lina Abete
Lina Abete
20/05/2023
Excellent professional service
Qamar Zaman
Qamar Zaman
02/05/2023
I highly recommend Woods&Co Lawyers. I got into big trouble for the first time and of course was scared out of my mind. MICHAEL WOODS AND HUGH WOODS and the rest of the team eased my mind about the whole process. Definitely great customer service and professionalism. I am also very happy with the deal I got. If I ever (which I hope I don’t) get into any other trouble, WOODS&CO Lawyers is the one I will call on. Thank you so much for everything!
Mori Shakouri
Mori Shakouri
09/03/2023
Really nice and gentlemen, professional and friendly, highly recommended
Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 80 reviews

To read more reviews about our lawyer firm  please visit our Facebook & Google Review page.

We protect your rights!

At Woods & Co lawyers we advise  you to speak with a lawyer before speaking to the police.

Normally, you are required only to provided your name and address but there are some offences where you are obliged by law to answer certain questions.

Call our team today on 08 8311 3111 in order to protect your rights.

If the police arrest you and have charged you then provided they have reasonable grounds to believe it is necessary to identify you (or identifying you as the person who committed an offence), then they have the have the power to;

  • take your fingerprints
  • photograph you
  • make a voice recording of your voice
  • request you supply a sample of your handwriting

Otherwise, they need an order of a Magistrate.

Reasonable force can be used to photograph you or take your prints.  Force cannot be used to take a handwriting or voice recording but you commit a criminal offence if you disobey a reasonable direction.

To learn more about this please call our team on 08 8311 3111.

When can police search your person?

  • Under the  Controlled Substances Act 1984 if they believe on reasonable grounds you are possessing an illegal drug.
  • If you have been arrested.
  • If a police officer has reasonable grounds to suspect you are in possession of a firearm subject to seizure.
  • Police can ask you to empty your pockets but unless they have proper grounds to do so they may commit an illegal search unless you agree.

When can police can search your house?

  • If they have a General Search warrant.
  • If they have obtained a valid drug warrant for a premises.
  • Without a warrant, if they reasonably believe there is a firearm or ammunition subject to seizure. 

Can police search your vehicle or vessel?

  • If they have reasonable cause to suspect that there are stolen goods, or you are in possession of an object which constitutes an offence, or there is evidence of an indictable offence. 
  • Similarly if the police suspect on reasonable grounds that you are in possession of illegal drugs then they can search your vehicle or vessel. (They need to meet a higher test of belief to search your person

The above should not be relied upon for legal advice.  Each circumstance can change.

Call our friendly and experienced team to protect your rights.