Criminal Defence
Murder & Manslaughter
The most serious charges in the criminal calendar, defended with senior counsel from the first conference.
A charge of murder, manslaughter or unlawful killing carries the gravest consequences in Australian law, up to life imprisonment. These matters are heard in the Supreme Court of NSW and require a defence prepared with senior counsel and the right experts from the outset.
City Group Legal acts in homicide matters, building the defence with forensic and medical experts and briefing experienced senior counsel. Where bail is available on a 'show cause' basis, the application must be properly prepared.
What's at stake. Murder carries a maximum of life imprisonment, with a standard non-parole period of 20-25 years. Manslaughter carries a maximum of 25 years. The preparation must match the stakes.
How we defend murder & manslaughter
We interrogate the Crown case at every layer: cause of death, intent, identification, forensic and expert evidence, and the reliability of witnesses. Where self-defence, substantial impairment or a lesser alternative is available, it is built early and thoroughly with senior counsel.
Frequently asked
Can I get bail on a murder charge?
Murder is a 'show cause' offence, meaning you must show why your detention is not justified before the usual bail considerations apply. It is difficult but not impossible, and the application needs careful preparation.
What is the difference between murder and manslaughter?
Murder generally requires an intention to kill or cause grievous bodily harm, or reckless indifference to human life. Manslaughter covers unlawful killings without that intent. Which is charged, and which a jury accepts, can change a sentence by decades.
What is the difference between murder and manslaughter?
Broadly, both involve an unlawful killing, but murder requires the prosecution to prove a particular state of mind, such as an intent to kill or to cause grievous bodily harm, or reckless indifference to human life. Manslaughter covers unlawful killings where that element is not made out. Which one a case is really about is often the central issue.
How long do these matters take?
Strictly indictable matters move through committal in the Local Court before proceeding to the Supreme or District Court, and they commonly take many months and often longer than a year. That time is not wasted: it is when the brief is tested and the defence is built.
Every stone turned. Every avenue pursued.
Whether you’ve been charged, arrested, or are helping a family member, the earliest advice is the most valuable.