Police, Traffic Matters & Criminal Lawyer Adelaide

Criminal Lawyers Adelaide - Criminal Law and Police Matters

Established in 1887, Scammell & Co. is one of Adelaide’s most experienced criminal law firms, with 138 years defending South Australians in every court from Magistrates to the Supreme Court.

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.”

- Scott, Craigmore

Scammell & Co criminal lawyers can advise you about the following:

  • What is legally required for the Police to prove the charge;
  • Whether you have a defence to the charge;
  • Whether the Police are likely to withdraw the charge, and
  • The penalty you are likely to receive and the steps you should take to improve your chances of achieving the best result.

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:

  • Supreme Court of South Australia;
  • District Court of South Australia;
  • Adelaide Magistrates Court;
  • Port Adelaide Magistrates Court;
  • Elizabeth Magistrates Court;
  • Christies Beach Magistrates Court;
  • Adelaide Youth Court; and
  • All country courts where sufficient funding exists to cover necessary travel and other associated expenses.
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Scammell & Co. Solicitors Assists Clients Across a Wide Range of Criminal Matters

When you need solid, reliable representation in Court, our expert lawyers have the skills, knowledge and experience to manage a wide range of cases

Social Security and Taxation Offences

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.

Fraud / White Collar Crime

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.

Firearm Offences

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.

Homicide (Manslaughter / Murder)

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:

  • Criminal Assets Confiscation Law
  • Criminal charges in relation to Motor Vehicle Accidents
  • Bail applications/bail breaches
  • Criminal charge reduction or withdrawal

Migrant Convictions

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.

Why South Australians Choose Scammell & Co. Criminal Lawyers

138+ Years of Local Criminal Defence Experience

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.

Proven Track Record of Favourable Outcomes

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.

Clear Communication & Transparent Fees

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.

What Scammell & Co Solicitors will achieve for you

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.

Meet Your Criminal Defence Team in Adelaide

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 Russo – Consultant

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 Forby – Senior Associate

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 Watkins – Lawyer

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will a Scammell & Co. lawyer help me?

Our criminal lawyers will advise you on:

  • what is legally required to prove a charge
  • whether you have a defence to the charge
  • whether the charge is likely to be withdrawn
  • the likely penalty
  • the best course of action.

What types of Criminal and Police Matters do Scammell & Co. lawyers handle?

  • bail applications / bail breaches
  • child exploitation material offences
  • common assault
  • criminal assets confiscation
  • criminal charge reduction or withdrawal
  • criminal charges relating to motor vehicle accidents
  • domestic violence
  • driving and traffic offences
  • drug offences (including trafficking, possession, manufacture and cultivation)
  • firearm offences
  • fraud / white collar crime
  • intervention orders / restraining orders (applications / breaches / revocations)
  • manslaughter and murder
  • offensive image material matters
  • property damage / vandalism / graffiti offences
  • serious assault
  • sex offences
  • social security and taxation offences
  • theft / stealing and dishonesty offences / break and enter offences
  • trespass and stalking offences

What if I need urgent advice?

You can contact our after-hours number by text or phone 0412 975081.

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