Legal Aid Funding in Victoria
If you are facing criminal charges or certain civil matters, you may be able to receive Victoria Legal Aid funding to cover some or all of your legal costs.
Our practice is a member of both the Victoria Legal Aid Summary Crime Panel (s29A) and the Referral Panel (s30). This means we can represent you in eligible matters where a grant of legal assistance is available.
To qualify, you must meet both the eligibility guidelines and the income/means test set by Victoria Legal Aid.
Summary Crime Panel
Criminal Matters Covered
As a member of the Summary Crime Panel, we can assist accused persons in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria for matters including:​
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Summary crime cases such as violent offences, dishonesty, drug and property-related charges, and weapons offences.
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Traffic offences (in very limited circumstances where additional criteria are met).
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Bail applications and variations in the Magistrates’ Court.
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Indictable crime matters that can be heard summarily.
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Criminal appeals from the Magistrates' Court to the County Court.
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Sexual offences (as defined in Section 3 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2009).
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Breach proceedings, including Community Corrections breaches, Sex Offender Registration Act breaches, or breaches of intervention orders.
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Eligibility for Legal Aid in Victoria
Eligibility for Legal Aid in VictoriaLegal Aid funding is designed to help people who cannot afford legal representation. To be eligible, applicants must meet financial criteria and show that their matter falls within the approved Legal Aid guidelines.
Referral Panel (s30) – Civil and Administrative Matters
The Referral Panel, established under the Legal Aid Act 1978, provides funding for a wide range of civil and administrative law matters not covered by specialist panels.
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Our practice can assist with:
Guideline 13 – Infringements and Special Circumstances
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Applications for infringements and fines exceeding $5,000 (including traffic camera fines, tolls, and court-imposed fines).
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Infringement warrants, enforcement orders, and reviews.
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Applications in the Special Circumstances List of the Magistrates’ Court.
To qualify, you must meet at least one of the following:
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Experiencing or having experienced family violence at the time of the infringement.
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Having a mental health condition, intellectual disability, or illness.
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Having a serious drug, alcohol or volatile substance addiction.
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Being homeless at the time of the fines.
Applicants must also show that legal assistance is likely to result in fines being reduced, revoked, or discharged.
Guideline 14–
Witness Representation
We can represent witnesses subpoenaed to appear before:
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The Office of the Chief Examiner, under the Major Crime (Investigative Powers) Act 2004.
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Examiners appointed under the Australian Crime Commission (State Provisions) Act 2003.
Contact
Level 19, 263 William Street Melbourne 3000
As experienced legal aid lawyers in Victoria, we can guide you through the eligibility process, prepare your application, and represent you in court if funding is approved.
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If you think you may qualify for Victoria Legal Aid funding, contact us today. We will review your case, advise on your options, and help you access the legal support you need.