Barsha Defence Lawyers

Parramatta Criminal Lawyers | Defence Lawyers for Parramatta Local & District Court
Parramatta Local Court • District Court • Children's Court

Parramatta Criminal Lawyers

Barsha Defence Lawyers is a specialist criminal defence firm based on George Street in Parramatta, steps from the courthouse. Our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers appear daily at Parramatta Local Court, Parramatta District Court, and the Parramatta Children's Court. We also have a second office in Norwest for clients in the Hills District. Meet our team.

Parramatta Court Complex Details

Local Court 12 George Street, Parramatta NSW 2150
District Court 6 George Street, Parramatta NSW 2150
Children's Court 2 George Street, Parramatta NSW 2150
Phone 1300 679 272
Registry Hours Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Getting There Short walk from Parramatta Station
Court Lists NSW Online Registry
Our Parramatta Office Suite 48, Level 1, 93 George Street

Parramatta is the largest court complex in Western Sydney. The Local Court, District Court, Children's Court, and Drug Court all sit on George Street. Our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers office is on the same street, giving us the ability to attend court at short notice and meet clients before and after their appearances.

Parramatta Criminal Lawyers Based on George Street

Parramatta is the justice hub of Western Sydney. The court complex on George Street houses the Local Court, District Court, Children's Court, and Drug Court, making it one of the busiest court precincts in New South Wales. Our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers are based at Suite 48, Level 1, 93 George Street, on the same street as the courts. That proximity is not just convenient. It means we are at the courthouse daily, we know every magistrate and judge who sits at Parramatta, and we can attend court on short notice when urgent matters arise.

We only practise criminal and traffic law. Every case we take is a criminal defence matter. That focus gives our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers a depth of experience and knowledge that general practice firms in the area simply cannot match. From straightforward drink driving charges to complex District Court jury trials, our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers handle it all.

Our Parramatta Office

We are one of the few specialist criminal law firms headquartered in Parramatta. Our office is on George Street, the same street as all three courts. You can walk from our front door to the Local Court entrance in minutes. This means your Parramatta Criminal Lawyers are always close to the action.

Parramatta: Suite 48, Level 1, 93 George Street, Parramatta NSW 2150  •  Norwest: 4 Columbia Court, Norwest NSW 2153

Below is a detailed overview of the criminal and traffic matters our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers defend across the Parramatta court complex.

Criminal Offences Our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers Defend

Assault Charges

Assault offences make up a large portion of the Parramatta court list. Our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers defend common assault, assault occasioning ABH, assaulting a police officer, affray, choking, and recklessly causing GBH. Serious matters like wounding with intent go to Parramatta District Court for trial.

Domestic Violence & AVOs

Parramatta hears an extremely high volume of domestic violence matters. Our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers represent clients charged with breaching an ADVO and stalking or intimidation. If you have been served with a provisional ADVO or charged with a breach of AVO, contact our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers before your court date.

Drug Offences

Drug charges at Parramatta range from drug possession to drug supply, cultivation, and ongoing supply. Supply and ongoing supply charges are dealt with in Parramatta District Court. For simple possession, our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers can present strong arguments for diversion or a non-conviction order.

Sexual Offences

We defend charges of sexual touching, aggravated sexual touching, sexual assault, distributing intimate images, and threatening to distribute intimate images. Serious sexual offences are committed to Parramatta District Court for jury trial. Our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers represent clients in both jurisdictions.

Firearms, Weapons & Public Order

Firearm and weapon offences carry heavy penalties. Our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers defend unlawful firearm possession and knife possession. Public order charges include offensive language, offensive conduct, resisting arrest, and riot.

Traffic Offences at Parramatta Local Court

Traffic and driving offences are heavily represented on the Parramatta court list. Parramatta is the commercial centre of Western Sydney, and losing a licence here has serious consequences for employment, business, and family life. Our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers defend:

If your licence has been suspended or cancelled, our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers can assist with licence appeals at Parramatta Local Court.

Bail Applications at Parramatta

If you or a family member has been refused police bail and is being held in custody, our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers can make an urgent bail application at Parramatta Local Court. Because our office is on George Street, we can be at the courthouse within minutes. We are available 24/7 for urgent bail matters, including weekends and public holidays.

Parramatta Local Court has multiple courtrooms with AVL facilities, which means bail applications can often be heard quickly for people held in nearby police stations or correctional centres. Where bail is refused at the Local Court, we can make a fresh application at Parramatta District Court or in the Supreme Court of NSW.

Mental Health Applications (Section 14) at Parramatta

A Section 14 mental health application under the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020 allows the court to divert your matter away from the criminal justice system and into treatment. This is an option where a diagnosed mental health condition or cognitive impairment was connected to the offending behaviour.

Parramatta Local Court has a Court Liaison Service provided by Justice Health, where a mental health clinician can assess you on the day and provide a report to the magistrate. Our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers work closely with this service and regularly make Section 14 applications at Parramatta. This is one of the most effective ways to deal with charges where mental health is a factor, and Parramatta's Court Liaison Service is one of the busiest in NSW.

Parramatta District Court Matters

Parramatta District Court at 6 George Street is one of the largest District Court sittings outside the Downing Centre. It has nine courtrooms dedicated to criminal trials and deals with a high volume of serious indictable matters from across Western Sydney. Our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers appear here regularly for jury trials, sentence proceedings, and appeals from Local Court decisions.

The types of matters heard in Parramatta District Court include commercial drug supply, ongoing drug supply, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, wounding with intent to cause GBH, armed robbery, serious break and enter offences, and appeals from Parramatta Local Court convictions or sentences.

Our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers handle District Court trials and sentence proceedings at Parramatta and can provide a detailed fixed fee quote after reviewing your brief of evidence.

Parramatta Children's Court

The Parramatta Children's Court at 2 George Street deals with criminal charges against young people under 18. The Children's Court has different rules, different sentencing options, and a different approach compared to the adult court. For many young people, this is their first and only contact with the justice system, and the way it is handled matters enormously for their future.

Our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers represent young people charged with all types of criminal and traffic offences at the Children's Court. We explain the process clearly to both the young person and their parents, and we prepare the strongest possible case to avoid a criminal record or reduce the consequences. Outcomes in the Children's Court include cautions, youth justice conferences, good behaviour bonds, and youth community service orders.

Parramatta Drug Court and the MERIT Program

Parramatta is one of the few locations in NSW that has a dedicated Drug Court. The Drug Court provides an alternative to imprisonment for eligible offenders whose criminal behaviour is connected to drug dependency. Participants go through an intensive supervised treatment program instead of serving a custodial sentence.

Separately, the MERIT Program is available at Parramatta Local Court for defendants whose offending is linked to drug or alcohol use. MERIT is a voluntary 12-week treatment program that runs while your matter is before the court. Completing MERIT can significantly improve your sentencing outcome. Our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers regularly help clients access both the Drug Court and the MERIT Program and can advise whether you are eligible.

Your Options When You Hire Parramatta Criminal Lawyers

The right approach depends on the strength of the evidence and what is at stake for you personally. When you retain our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers, we review the police brief and advise you on the best path forward:

Negotiate with the prosecution. Many charges can be withdrawn or reduced to a less serious offence through direct discussions with the police prosecutor. Our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers pursue this on every matter where it is viable.

Plead not guilty and defend the charges. If the prosecution evidence is weak or legal defences are available, we take the matter to a defended hearing and challenge the case against you.

Plead guilty and work towards the lightest penalty. An early guilty plea attracts a sentencing discount of up to 25%. We prepare thorough submissions and gather supporting material to give you the best chance of a non-conviction penalty or the most lenient sentence available.

Run a disputed facts hearing. If you accept the charge but disagree with the police version of events, we can challenge the facts so that you are sentenced on a fair and accurate basis.

Access diversionary programs. Depending on the offence and your circumstances, our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers can help you access programs like MERIT, the Traffic Offenders Intervention Program, or a Section 14 mental health application to reduce the impact of the charges.

Why Choose Our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers

Our office is on George Street, steps from the courthouse.

We are not a firm that sends a different lawyer from a distant office for each appearance. Our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers are based here. We walk to court. We know the magistrates, the judges, the prosecutors, and the court staff. That level of familiarity with the Parramatta court complex gives our clients a real advantage.

We appear at Parramatta every day.

Parramatta is our home court. Our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers are in the Local Court, District Court, or Children's Court on a daily basis. There is no substitute for that kind of regular, hands-on presence at a court.

Criminal and traffic law is our entire practice.

We are a specialist criminal defence firm. Every case we take is a criminal or traffic matter. Our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers do not dabble in family law, conveyancing, or commercial disputes. That focus means you get a lawyer with deep expertise in the area of law that matters to your case.

Two offices for Western Sydney and the Hills District.

Our Parramatta office at 93 George Street services Parramatta and Greater Western Sydney. Our Norwest office at 4 Columbia Court services the Hills District, including Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills, Rouse Hill, Kellyville, and Bella Vista. Both offices feed into the Parramatta court complex.

Available around the clock.

We take calls 24/7, including weekends and public holidays. If you have been arrested or refused bail in the Parramatta area, you can reach our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers immediately for urgent advice and representation.

Same-day court appearances.

Because we are on George Street, we accept urgent same-day appearances for bail applications, mentions, and matters that cannot wait. Call us in the morning and we can be at Parramatta Local Court that afternoon.

Transparent fixed fees.

We quote a fixed fee upfront so there are no surprises. You will know exactly what your representation costs before you commit.

A record of strong results.

Our case outcomes include withdrawn charges, not guilty verdicts, Section 10 dismissals, successful bail applications, and reduced penalties across a wide range of criminal and traffic matters at Parramatta. Our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers bring that preparation and energy to every case.

What to Expect When Our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers Represent You

If you have not been to court before, here is what to expect on the day at Parramatta:

1
Arrive at least 30 minutes early.

Parramatta is a busy court and security screening can take time. Allow extra time to clear the entrance, find your courtroom, and speak with your lawyer.

2
Check which courtroom you are in.

Court lists are displayed on screens in the foyer and available online through the NSW Online Registry. Your lawyer will confirm your courtroom number and meet you before your matter is called.

3
Know which building you need.

The Local Court is at 12 George Street. The District Court is at 6 George Street. The Children's Court is at 2 George Street. All three are on the same block. Check your court notice to confirm which court your matter is listed in.

4
Dress in business or smart casual clothing.

No singlets, thongs, or hats inside the courtroom. First impressions count.

5
Your lawyer speaks on your behalf.

In most cases, your Parramatta Criminal Lawyers will address the magistrate or judge for you. You will generally only need to confirm your plea and acknowledge any orders.

6
Getting there.

Parramatta station is a short walk from the court complex. The court is well served by buses and the Parramatta Light Rail. Street parking is limited and fills up early. Public car parks are available in the surrounding area, including Church Street and Smith Street.

Norwest Criminal Lawyers for the Hills District

Our second office is at 4 Columbia Court, Norwest NSW 2153. This office services the entire Hills District and surrounding areas. There is no local court in the Hills District, so most criminal and traffic matters from suburbs like Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills, Rouse Hill, Kellyville, Bella Vista, Cherrybrook, Dural, and West Pennant Hills are listed at Parramatta Local Court.

Our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers handle all of these matters. If you live in the Hills District and have been charged with a criminal or traffic offence, you can meet us at our Norwest office for your initial consultation and we will represent you at Parramatta court. Some matters from the northern Hills may also be listed at Hornsby Local Court, and we appear there regularly as well.

Areas Our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers Serve

Parramatta and surrounds: Parramatta, Harris Park, Rosehill, Granville, Merrylands, Guildford, Wentworthville, Westmead, Northmead, North Parramatta, Toongabbie, Pendle Hill, Girraween, South Granville, Clyde, Auburn, Silverwater, Ermington, Dundas, Oatlands, Telopea, Carlingford, Epping.

Hills District (from our Norwest office): Norwest, Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills, Rouse Hill, Kellyville, Bella Vista, Cherrybrook, West Pennant Hills, Dural, Glenhaven, The Ponds, Stanhope Gardens, Kellyville Ridge, Beaumont Hills, Box Hill, Annangrove.

Greater Western Sydney: Seven Hills, Blacktown, Mount Druitt, Penrith, Fairfield, Liverpool, and surrounding suburbs.

We also appear at courts across Western Sydney and NSW:

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Parramatta Criminal Lawyers cost?

Our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers offer a free initial consultation to review your charges and explain your options. After that, we provide a fixed fee quote so you know the total cost before you commit. Fees depend on whether the matter is a guilty plea, defended hearing, bail application, or District Court proceeding.

Where is your Parramatta office?

Our Parramatta office is at Suite 48, Level 1, 93 George Street, Parramatta NSW 2150. This is on the same street as Parramatta Local Court, District Court, and Children's Court. We also have a Norwest office at 4 Columbia Court, Norwest NSW 2153, for clients in the Hills District.

What is the difference between Parramatta Local Court and District Court?

Parramatta Local Court at 12 George Street handles summary offences, less serious indictable offences, traffic matters, bail applications, AVO proceedings, and committal hearings. Parramatta District Court at 6 George Street deals with serious indictable offences like drug supply, sexual assault, and dangerous driving causing death, as well as appeals from Local Court decisions. Our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers appear in both courts daily.

Can I avoid a criminal conviction at Parramatta Local Court?

In many cases, yes. For first-time offenders charged with offences like drink driving, drug possession, or minor assault, the court can dismiss the charge without recording a conviction under section 10 of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act. Whether this is achievable depends on the offence, your personal circumstances, and the strength of the material our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers put before the court.

Can you appear at Parramatta Court on the same day I call?

Yes. Because our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers are based on George Street, we can attend court at very short notice. We accept urgent same-day appearances for bail applications, mentions, and matters that cannot wait. Call us on 0474 708 070.

Do I need to attend every court date at Parramatta?

Not always. For procedural mentions and adjournments, your Parramatta Criminal Lawyers can appear on your behalf. You will need to be there in person for a plea, sentencing, hearing, or trial. We will advise you well in advance about which dates require your attendance.

My child has been charged and needs to appear at Parramatta Children's Court. Can you help?

Yes. Our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers represent young people at the Parramatta Children's Court at 2 George Street. The Children's Court has different procedures and sentencing options compared to the adult court. We understand these differences and will guide you and your child through every step of the process. Contact us to arrange a free consultation.

Contact Our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers

If you have a matter at Parramatta Local Court, Parramatta District Court, or the Children's Court, contact our Parramatta Criminal Lawyers for a free consultation. Our office is on George Street, steps from the courthouse. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

0474 708 070

Parramatta Office: 93 George Street • Norwest Office: 4 Columbia Court • Available 24/7