Best criminal lawyers in Perth Metropolitan
This list ranks firms and lawyers for whom criminal defence is a primary practice area, scored using our methodology, which weighs rating, review volume, recency, and sentiment together rather than star rating alone.
Looking for a lawyer for a different matter? See our best lawyers overall in Perth Metropolitan list for firms ranked across all practice areas. The businesses below are ranked here specifically because criminal law is a core part of what they do.
Picks are ranked by score and relevance to criminal law, so a lower overall score can rank higher here.
1. Chambers Legal Criminal Lawyers
4.9 (166)score 91/100
Chambers Legal posts one of the strongest composite scores on this list, built on 166 reviews averaging 4.9 stars. Clients across assault, sexual offence, and drug matters describe genuinely better-than-expected results, paired with staff who explain proceedings in plain language rather than legal jargon.
Watch out: Costs are real, though clients say results and peace of mind justified them.
Services: criminal law, family law, law firm, personal injury law
2. Andrews Legal
4.9 (288)score 92/100
Andrews Legal carries the highest composite score here, backed by 288 reviews at 4.9 stars, the largest review base on this list. Clients repeatedly mention dismissed cases, reduced sentences, and eliminated mandatory minimums, credited to Mark Andrews and a team that gives honest, no-false-promises advice.
Services: wills estate planning, criminal law, free consultation, commercial business law
3. Curt Hofmann & Co
4.9 (133)score 90/100
Curt Hofmann & Co scores strongly on medium-confidence data from 133 reviews at 4.9 stars, with clients regularly reporting acquittals and dropped charges after thorough investigation. Named lawyers Katherine Dowling, Chris Sheehy, and Curt Hofmann himself earn trust for treating clients as individuals rather than files.
Services: criminal law, free consultation, commercial business law, family law
4. James Jackson Criminal Defence
5 (63)score 88/100
James Jackson Criminal Defence holds a perfect 5-star average across 63 reviews, with a high composite score driven by strong sentiment and recency. His prosecutor background shows up in client feedback about sharp cross-examination and finding weaknesses in the other side's case.
Services: criminal law, free consultation, family law, law firm
5. Magenta Legal Criminal Lawyers
4.8 (43)score 80/100
Matthew Blackburn at Magenta Legal earns a solid mid-range score from 43 reviews at 4.8 stars, with clients highlighting negotiated dismissals and charge reductions at fair rates. The majority describe calm, confident courtroom presence, though one case raised concerns about pre-hearing communication.
Watch out: One reviewer felt pushed toward settlement over trial, citing weaker pre-hearing communication.
Services: criminal law, commercial business law, law firm, legal services
6. Kate King Legal - Criminal Defence Lawyers Perth
4.7 (29)score 78/100
Kate King Legal scores well on medium-confidence data from 29 reviews at 4.7 stars, with clients crediting Aliesha Edwards, Lise Riley, and colleagues for thorough preparation and confident courtroom work. Most describe outcomes that exceeded expectations, though one billing dispute followed a scheduling issue.
Watch out: One reviewer disputed full fees being charged after a late arrival to a hearing.
Services: criminal law, family law, law firm, legal services
7. Porter Scudds
4.9 (49)score 79/100
Porter Scudds brings over 30 years of operating history and a 4.9-star average from 49 reviews, with clients crediting the team for acquittals and suspended sentences after lengthy, well-prepared trials. This is a low-confidence read given the review count, but the sentiment is strongly positive.
Watch out: One reviewer found the senior lawyer dismissive, and case rejections have lacked clear explanation.
Services: criminal law, trial attorney, family law, legal services
8. The Defence Lawyers
4.8 (21)score 74/100
The Defence Lawyers scores on the lower end of this list with 21 reviews at 4.8 stars, but named lawyers Nick Terry and Alex Smith draw repeated praise for courtroom presence, particularly on bail and restraining order matters. This is a low-confidence read given the small review sample.
Watch out: One past client disputed advice given years earlier, citing ongoing consequences.
Services: criminal law, trial attorney, family law, law firm
9. Hay Street Legal (Criminal & Traffic Lawyers)
4.6 (10)score 72/100
Hay Street Legal scores on a small base of 10 reviews at 4.6 stars, so treat this as an early-confidence read, but Damien and the team earn consistent praise for direct, no-nonsense advice and genuine follow-through. The firm is noted for working well with clients who have English-language difficulties.
Services: criminal law, commercial business law, law firm, legal services
10. Andrew Levalds Barrister & Solicitor
4.2 (21)score 67/100
Andrew Levalds Barrister & Solicitor sits lower on this list with a mixed sentiment profile from 21 reviews at 4.2 stars. Most clients describe quick, professional responses and solid courtroom outcomes, though one legal aid client reported poor communication until a formal complaint was lodged.
Watch out: One legal aid client reported poor communication that only improved after a formal complaint.
Services: criminal law, family law, law firm, solicitor
11. My Legal Crunch Lawyers | Family Law | Mediation
5 (7)score 72/100
My Legal Crunch Lawyers has only 7 reviews, all five-star, so this is a low-confidence but genuinely positive early signal. Michael is described as personally handling cases with empathy and clear advice, particularly valued in urgent, high-stress situations.
Watch out: Very small review sample so far, worth confirming current capacity before relying heavily on this track record.
Services: free consultation, family law, trial attorney, civil law attorney
What decides who ranks first?
| Signal | Weight |
|---|---|
| Review sentiment | 28% |
| Google rating | 26% |
| Review volume | 20% |
| Profile completeness | 16% |
| Review recency | 10% |
Ranking data checked 2026-09-05 · Full methodology ›
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Enquiries submitted through our contact forms may be shared with partner providers to carry out the work, and we may receive a referral fee for those introductions. Our rankings and scores are based solely on our published method and are never affected by referral fees.
Guides before you choose
- Getting arrested in WA: what happens and what to do first
A plain-English walkthrough of what typically happens after an arrest in Western Australia, your basic rights, and the first steps that matter most.
- Spent convictions and criminal record checks in WA
How spent convictions work under WA law, what typically shows up on a police clearance, and when it's worth getting legal advice on your record.