Canberra · Areas we serve
Criminal defence lawyer for Canberra City and Civic.
Civic is the centre of the ACT, and both criminal courts sit here. For people in the inner north a criminal matter is heard close to home. Aaron Kernaghan appears in both the Magistrates Court and the Supreme Court.
- RegionCivic & inner northCanberra district
- CourtCityMagistrates and Supreme Court
- Local policeCity StationInvestigating station
- Direct line0421 717 019Confidential
Where your matter is heard.
Both ACT criminal courts sit on Knowles Place in the city, so for people in Civic, Braddon, Reid, Acton and the inner north, a criminal matter is heard in the centre of town. The city also draws the ACT's nightlife, and a share of city matters are public order and assault charges that arise late at night.
Wherever you live in Canberra, ACT criminal matters are heard centrally. Summary matters and the first stages of serious matters are dealt with in the ACT Magistrates Court in the city, and serious indictable matters are tried in the ACT Supreme Court next door. There is no local court in each district, and no District Court in the ACT, so the court you attend is the same wherever the charge arises.
Matters that come up in Canberra City.
City matters range widely: public order and affray after a night out, assault, drink driving, drug possession, and, at the serious end, indictable matters tried in the Supreme Court. Each is prepared on its facts.
What to do if you are charged.
The first steps are the same everywhere. Say nothing to police about the substance until you have advice, and use your right to silence. Get the bail position right at the first appearance, because a refusal is hard to undo. And get the brief read early, so the real strengths and weaknesses of the case are known before any decision about a plea. A confidential first call sets all of that in motion.
Frequently asked.
Which court will my Canberra matter be heard in?
ACT criminal matters are heard centrally. Summary matters and the early stages of serious matters are in the ACT Magistrates Court on Knowles Place in the city, and serious indictable matters are tried in the ACT Supreme Court next door.
Do you appear in person in Canberra?
Yes. Aaron Kernaghan appears in person at ACT mentions, hearings and trials in the Magistrates Court and the Supreme Court.
I was charged after a night out in Civic. What should I do?
Say nothing to police about the substance until you have advice, and call. Public order and assault matters often resolve well when the brief is tested and a subjective case is prepared, and a first offender can often be kept out of a conviction.
Charged in Canberra City or nearby?
A confidential first conference. The brief is read. The realistic options are set out. Speak to Aaron Kernaghan directly before you decide anything.
Request a confidential consult 0421 717 019