Regardless of whether you have been charged with a minor Police matter, or you are facing a serious criminal charge, our experienced criminal lawyers can assist you. Scammell & Co. will provide a fearless and comprehensive defence to any criminal charges laid against you. Where you concede a charge, we will work to persuade the Prosecution and the Court that a low penalty should be imposed.
“Everything was dealt with professionally and promptly.”
Whether the offence is dealt with in the Magistrates Court, District Court or Supreme Court, you will benefit from skilled and experienced legal representation.
The Courts we attend include the following:
When you need solid, reliable representation in Court, our expert lawyers have the skills, knowledge and experience to manage a wide range of cases
Our criminal lawyers have experience defending all types of drug-related charges, negotiating downgraded charges, and challenging search warrants. We take a methodical approach to examining the evidence and viable legal avenues, minimising your penalty and advising you on the most appropriate course of action.
To assist you with getting back on the road, we offer fixed-fee options for traffic matters, which occur quite frequently in South Australia. Our legal team has achieved successful results in minimising demerit points, avoiding licence disqualifications, and negotiating restricted licences.
In South Australia, common assault charges can be laid for something as short as a raised hand or a shove in the heat of an argument – and while they are on the lower end of the assault scale, a conviction still has real consequences, including the possibility of a criminal record that can impact employment and travel. Scammell & Co. considers all available defences, including self-defence, consent and lack of intent. We aim to have charges withdrawn or diversion options granted when the evidence is strong, before the matter goes to a hearing.
South Australian law allows for much tougher penalties for serious assault charges, including assault causing actual bodily harm and wounding or assault against protected categories of people, such as police or healthcare workers, including the potential for immediate jail time. Scammell & Co. work with clients to go through the evidence available to the prosecution, to consider whether the aggravating factors have been properly established and, where a full defence is not available, to put forward strong mitigating circumstances that can have a real impact on the sentence handed down.
With recent developments and extensive changes to laws surrounding sex offences to protect victims and potential future victims, early legal intervention is crucial should you be accused of any wrongdoing.
We handle sex offence cases with absolute discretion and rigorous evidence examination, including child exploitation material offences and offensive image material matters.
Domestic violence charges in South Australia carry serious consequences, including the potential for intervention orders that can restrict your access to your home, children, and workplace. Scammell & Co. examines the full context of each allegation — including disputed incidents, false complaints, and relationship breakdowns — to build the strongest available defence. Early intervention can be critical in preventing charges from escalating or conditions from becoming more restrictive.
Whether you are contesting the making of an intervention order, responding to an alleged breach, or seeking a revocation, the legal process moves quickly and can have serious consequences. An order made against you can affect your employment, living arrangements, and family law proceedings simultaneously. We advise clients on the full implications of each pathway, including the risks of contesting versus consenting, so you can make an informed decision under pressure.
Trespass and stalking charges may arise in the context of contested relationship breakdowns or misunderstood behaviour, but they carry the risk of imprisonment and long-term intervention orders. We have carefully examined the evidence, including the digital material, witness statements and the legal standard for stalking in South Australia. We work diligently to have charges reduced or dismissed when they are not proportionate to the conduct alleged.
Property damage offences range from minor graffiti offences to serious charges involving significant destruction, each carrying different sentencing outcomes depending on the value of the damage and the intent. Scammell & Co. works to contextualise the circumstances – including mental health considerations, intoxication, or lack of intent – which can meaningfully influence charge severity and penalty. Where a conviction cannot be avoided, we focus on securing non-custodial outcomes supported by the evidence.
Charges in this category span a wide spectrum — from retail theft to aggravated break and enter — and the sentencing range reflects the severity of the crime, with serious offences attracting significant terms of imprisonment. We examine the evidence for weaknesses in proof of intent, ownership disputes, and unlawful search procedures that may affect the admissibility of key material. Clients should be aware that prior convictions for dishonesty offences can have a significant impact on sentencing, so early and strategic legal advice is essential.
Social security fraud and taxation offences are prosecuted by Commonwealth authorities and can result in substantial fines, repayment orders, and imprisonment — even for first-time offenders. These matters often involve complex financial records, lengthy investigation periods, and significant prosecutorial resources, which is why having experienced legal representation from the outset is critical. Scammell & Co. advises clients on cooperation strategies, negotiated resolutions, and, where appropriate, on mounting a full defence against the alleged conduct.
With the rise in fraud and white-collar crime, which can often leave complicated digital trails, our criminal lawyers are well-equipped to tackle these cases. In fact, we specialise in handling complex financial evidence and multi-agency investigations.
Although firearm use is relatively rare in South Australia, our team has experience in dealing with licensing appeals and confiscation orders. We maintain an extensive understanding of the strict firearms regulations in South Australia and keep up to date with precedent-setting results of firearms cases across all jurisdictions.
For high-stakes Supreme Court trials, our team works tirelessly to build a robust defence case and provide you with expert legal counsel. We’ll also engage the services of expert barristers to construct and convey a high-level strategic defence for the following cases:
In the event you are a migrant/born outside of Australia, and you are convicted of an offence and receive a term of imprisonment, the Federal Government may decide to cancel your visa. In the event that the term of imprisonment is at least 6 years in length, they could even cancel your Australian citizenship. Please refer to our website page for information on how to apply to revoke this cancellation of your visa or citizenship.
As an established presence in the South Australian legal community and with a nuanced understanding of local magistrates, our expert criminal lawyers are well placed to ensure that proceedings are conducted fairly for all parties involved.
With hundreds of negotiated plea deals and dismissals without conviction under the Sentencing Act 2017 (SA), it’s clear that you can count on our team when the stakes are high. Choosing Scammell & Co. to represent you in a criminal defence means your case will be thoroughly examined, ensuring that all legal options are considered.
With fixed-fee payment options available for our criminal defence services and invoices that provide clear cost breakdowns, you’ll always receive the highest quality legal representation without having to worry about any hidden surprise fees.
Our service includes face-to-face appointments with you during which we will obtain detailed instructions about the allegations you are facing. We will advise you fully about your matter and reach an agreement with you on the most appropriate strategy to achieve the best possible outcome.
For urgent advice, please call or contact one of the solicitors listed below, who are dedicated to Police Matters.
For detailed information regarding driving offences, including drink or drug driving, speeding or driving whilst disqualified or suspended, please refer to our webpage.
With a diverse range of experience, our dedicated criminal lawyers work collaboratively to establish a strong defence strategy, no matter the nature and complexity of your case.
Darren graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Adelaide and subsequently completed a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice at the South Australian Institute of Technology. He is certified and registered to appear in the High Court of Australia.
Since starting his career with Scammell & Co. in 1987, Darren has focused predominantly on Criminal Law and Personal Injury Claims.
Kylie completed a Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice (LLB/LP) from Flinders University.
She was admitted to practice law in South Australia in 2017 as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of South Australia and the High Court of Australia. Kylie currently focuses her practice on Criminal Law and Family Law.
Celeste graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from Charles Darwin University and also completed a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice at the College of Law SA in 2024.
After being admitted to practice law in 2024, she joined Scammell & Co. in 2025, specialising in Criminal and Family Law.
You can contact our after-hours number by text or phone 0412 975081.
