Fees - what a criminal defence barrister costs

Initial privileged consultations are free, to talk through anything pressing. Dealing with the initial court proceedings is charged by the hour and usually comes to around $1,500 plus GST, sometimes less (an estimate, not a cap): going to court, entering a plea, dealing with bail, talking to Police, reviewing the Police file, and advice on your options with a quote for the rest of the case. Urgent work can start right away and is charged the same way. A solicitor formally instructs Luke, typically for $250 plus GST, so the usual first-stage total is about $2,000 including GST. Interest-free payment plans are available for smaller cases.

Nobody plans for a criminal charge, and cost is usually the second worry after the charge itself. This page sets out how Luke charges for the first stage of a case, so you know where you stand before you commit to anything.

This guide is general information, not legal advice about your situation - every case turns on its own facts.

How it works

1. A free, privileged consultation. Usually 15 to 60 minutes, by phone to begin with. What you say is privileged, and there is no obligation to go further.
2. The initial stage - usually about $1,500 plus GST. Charged at Luke's standard hourly rate, this is usually enough to deal with whatever is most pressing. It covers the initial decisions, reviewing the documents, engaging with the Police, appearing at the first court hearing - an extremely important one - and deciding on plea, then advice on strategy and options, with a quote for each: trial, a discharge without conviction, a sentence indication, a challenge to the admissibility of evidence.
3. The rest of the case, on agreed terms. Once the options are clear, you and Luke agree either a fixed fee or an hourly rate for the work from that point on.

If it is urgent

If you really need help now - you are in custody, bail is being decided, a hearing is days away - you can get it right away. Urgent work is part of the initial stage and is charged in the same way; it does not have to wait until fees for the whole case have been agreed.

Payment plans

For smaller cases, payment plans are available without interest. You pay regular amounts into the instructing solicitor's account until the agreed sum is reached.

Why it is done this way

In the first days of a case nobody can honestly say what it will cost, because nobody has yet seen the evidence. Quoting for the whole case at that point means guessing. It is fairer to agree a simple rate up front, deal with whatever is urgent, and settle the bulk of the work once things are calmer and the strategy is clearer.

These figures are a guide, not a quote

The figure above is for the initial stage only, and every person's needs are different. A matter that looks simple can turn out to be complex once the disclosure arrives. A matter that really is straightforward - including some referrals for diversion - can cost less. You will be told what to expect before the work is done.

Other costs

Outside costs, known as disbursements, are not included in the figures above. Examples are expert reports, transcripts and travel. They do not arise in every case, and they are discussed with you first.

The instructing solicitor

A solicitor formally instructs Luke on your behalf. You do not need to find one first: contact Luke, and he will explain the process and can refer you to a solicitor he works with regularly. The solicitor's fee is typically $250 plus GST.

Before a charge is laid

Advice before any charge - a police interview request, a search, an investigation - is arranged differently, because the work depends on what the police do next. It is discussed at the free consultation. See urgent and pre-charge help.

Legal aid

Luke accepts legal aid as well as private instructions. If you may qualify, apply as soon as you are charged - see the legal aid guide.

Frequently asked questions

This guide was last updated in November 2026. The law changes - check current legislation or get advice on your own situation.