VALS employs eight criminal lawyers in the Head Office in Melbourne. In addition, VALS has a criminal solicitor employed in the Bairnsdale office. As well as the metropolitan courts, the criminal lawyers travel to country courts around Victoria on agreed days. This ensures that Indigenous people in country areas have access to legal advice and representation.

The Criminal Law section, like all legal work at VALS, is subject to guidelines. The guidelines set out all the requirements and type of work undertaken by the solicitors. VALS criminal lawyers will not usually help with:
• pleas of "not guilty" unless there is a reasonable prospect of dismissing the charge;
• traffic prosecutions where you exceed the Prescribed Concentration of Alcohol, or Drive under the Influence.

If your case falls outsides the guidelines, you should still contact us as we are able to refer you to other legal services or lawyers who will be able to assist you. You may be eligible for legal assistance from Victoria Legal Aid.

If, for whatever reason, VALS has refused you help, you can appeal to the VALS Board for a reconsideration of the refusal.