
GEELONG LAWYERS BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS
Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law
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PRACTICE AREAS
Geelong Lawyers is a leading criminal defence law firm based in central Geelong. We have a track record of achieving the best possible results for our clients. Our highly experienced team of Criminal Defence Lawyers provide expert strategic advice and outstanding courtroom representation.
Led by two Accredited Specialists in Criminal Law, Simon Northeast and Stephanie Mawby, we provide high quality legal representation in all areas of Criminal Law. Our experienced lawyers also appear for clients with Family Violence Intervention Order and Personal Safety Intervention Order matters.
We offer affordable fixed rates and accept eligible Victoria Legal Aid funded clients. We guide you through the court process, listen to your concerns, and obtain the best possible result for your case.
For a free confidential 30-minute consultation, contact Geelong Lawyers today on 5221 1322. We offer consultations in-person, via video conference or via telephone.



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Appeals
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Bail Applications
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Breach Offences
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Perjury
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Perverting Justice
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Assault
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Murder
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Burglary
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Culpable & Dangerous Driving
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Drug Offences
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Firearm & Weapons Offences
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Sexual Offences
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Drug & Drink Driving
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Traffic Offences
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Intervention Orders
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Family Violence
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Criminal Damage
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Theft, Fraud & Dishonesty
ABOUT US
We are a specialist criminal law firm located in central Geelong representing clients in all Victorian Courts.
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We regularly appear in the Geelong, Ballarat, Colac, Bacchus Marsh, Warrnambool, and Melbourne Courts. Whether this is your first criminal law matter or you have previously been to court, Geelong Lawyers are here to help.
Geelong Lawyers will guide you through the court process, listen to your concerns, keep you informed, provide expert strategic advice and outstanding representation to obtain you the best possible result.
We deal with all offences heard in the Children's Court, Koori Court, Magistrates' Court, County Court and Supreme Court of Victoria.
As Geelong's leading criminal law firm, we attribute our reputation to the excellent professional relationships we develop and the outstanding results we achieve for our clients. Our highly skilled, well resourced and committed team ensure that all of our clients receive an exceptional level of service and respect.
GEELONG LAWYERS TEAM

SIMON NORTHEAST
Partner
Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law
TEL 0420 600 350
BA, LLB
Simon has practiced in Criminal Law since 1988. He is a Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law and has maintained accreditation since 2006.
Simon is a passionate advocate for social justice and has been involved in establishing Community Legal Services across Victoria (Youth Law and Surf Coast Community Legal Service). He is a founding member of the Mirabel Foundation – a charity which assists children who have been orphaned or abandoned due to parental addiction.
With more than 30 years experience, Simon is a highly skilled advocate who has represented clients charged with offences ranging from shop-theft to murder. He has appeared in some of Victoria’s most complex and high-profile cases.
Simon regularly appears in the Children's' Court, Koori Court, Magistrates' Court, County Court, and the Supreme Court of Victoria.

MEL COX
Partner
TEL 0421 244 323
LLB (Hons), GDLP
Mel is a passionate and empathetic lawyer who is driven to achieve the best possible outcome for her clients. She is a confident and articulate communicator who quickly builds rapport.
Mel practices in all areas of Criminal Law. She guides her clients through the complexity of the legal system, whether they be a first-time offender seeking a Diversion or having been committed to stand trial in the County or Supreme Courts of Victoria. She appears in Magistrates Court, Koori Court, Children’s Court and County Court.
With a background in Finance and Business Management, Mel utilises her negotiation skills to deliver results. She goes above and beyond for her clients.
Mel has strong professional relationships with highly skilled barristers across all jurisdictions. Mel excels in working collaboratively in complex proceedings such as trials in the County Court and Supreme Court of Victoria.
Mel has a Bachelor of Laws graduating with Honours from Deakin University and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from the College of Law.

STEPHANIE MAWBY
Partner
Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law
TEL 0432 919 403
LLB, Bcrim GDLP
Stephanie is a Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law. She is an experienced lawyer having practiced exclusively in Criminal Law since 2014.
Stephanie appears daily in court, as a solicitor-advocate, in a variety of criminal cases across all jurisdictions, including the Magistrates’, County, Supreme Court and Children’s Court of Victoria. She has represented people charged with commercial drug trafficking and cultivation, fraud, firearm offences, culpable driving, homicide, assault, and serious sex offences.
Stephanie is committed to providing the highest standard of legal representation for her clients. She is a skilled advocate and works diligently to ensure that the best possible outcomes are achieved.
Stephanie holds a double degree of Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Criminology from Deakin University, Geelong. Upon completion of her degrees, Stephanie completed a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice at Leo Cussen Institute.
GEMMA BEST
Lawyer
TEL 0400 858 271
LLB, BCrim, GDLP

Gemma joined Geelong Lawyers in June 2019. Since her admission in 2020, Gemma has practiced in Criminal Law and Intervention Order matters.
Gemma regularly appears in Courts across Victoria, representing clients charged with Indictable and Summary Crime. She appears in Plea Hearings, Contested Bail Applications, Contest Mentions, Committal Mentions and Summary Jurisdiction Applications.
Gemma represents clients involved in Personal Safety Intervention Orders and Family Violence Intervention Orders. She diligently prepares Further and Better Particulars.
In 2018 Gemma studied Criminal Procedure at the University of North Carolina. She gained insights into maximum security prisons, District Courts, and conferenced with clients on death row.
Gemma holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Criminology from Deakin University. Following graduation, Gemma completed a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from the College of Law.

MATILDA JONES
Lawyer
TEL 0468 660 856
LLB, GDLP
Matilda completed a Bachelor of Laws in 2021 and was admitted to legal practice in 2022.
Prior to joining Geelong Lawyers in 2021, Matilda gained experience by volunteering at the Barwon Community Legal Service. She is committed to social justice, fairness, and empowering clients with knowledge of their rights.
Matilda appears at remand and bail hearings in the Magistrates’ Court and Children’s Court. She assists our Senior Lawyers with serious indictable matters including trials in the County

CHARMAIN JOUBERT
Paralegal
TEL 5221 1322
Charmain is currently in her final year of a Bachelor of Laws at Deakin University. Charmain holds qualifications in business and legal services and is committed to social justice.
Born in South Africa, Charmain speaks fluent Afrikaans. Since migrating to Australia from Ireland in 2008, Charmain has dedicated her career to high quality legal services in Victoria.
Upon completion of her studies, Charmain intends to work exclusively in the Criminal Law.