About James Dowsley & Associates

Our History

James Dowsley & Associates became the first law firm specialising in criminal law in Frankston in 2007. It is also the largest law firm of its kind in Melbourne’s southeastern suburbs.

Today, the firm is comprised of three Law Institute of Victoria accredited criminal law specialists, as well as several other solicitors with 10+ years’ experience. We have three offices across Melbourne, and are continually expanding. Our highly trained defence team represents clients in all levels of criminal law including matters heard in the Magistrates’ Court, County Court, Supreme Court, High Court of Australia, Children’s Court and the Court of Appeal.

Why Choose JDA’s Criminal Lawyers

It is important to make the right choice when you engage criminal lawyers. You need lawyers that will provide a high level of expertise and attention to your matter. Our expert criminal solicitors know that Justice Demands Attention.

We have outlined why you should choose James Dowsley & Associates.

  • Our belief that Justice Demands Attention is reflected in every step we take for clients. We reflect our commitment to justice for clients by:

    • Acting quickly

    • Being accessible

    • Guiding you

    • Fighting hard

    • Being experts

    • Being lawyers that represent everyone

  • We have a longstanding reputation built on our expertise and commitment to every matter.

    Our reputation and expertise means we are chosen to act for a range of criminal law clients. We are trusted criminal defence lawyers for private clients and those eligible for Victorian Legal Aid funding assistance.

    Our status as a preferred provider of Victoria Legal Aid reflects our strong criminal law reputation and experience.

    The outstanding reputation of the firm has contributed to its growth since it was first opened by founding partner James Dowlsey in Frankston in 2007.

    Learn more about the firm and our criminal lawyers.

  • Our experience and expertise covers all areas of criminal law. We represent clients in all courts and tribunals relevant to criminal law in Victoria. We have acted in matters in jurisdictions ranging from the Magistrates’ to the High Court. Find out more about our expert criminal law services.

    All of our lawyers are criminal law experts and our team includes lawyers accredited by the Law Institute of Victoria.

  • We are ready to act fast when you need us.

    Our 24 hour advice hotline is open 7 days a week. If you need help, call our criminal solicitors right now on (03) 9781 4900.

James Dowsley & Associates believes
that Justice Demands Attention

JDA is committed to taking every step needed to fight for justice for our clients. We have outlined the following steps that we take in order to give your matter the attention justice demands.

  • Our 24 hour, 7 days a week advice hotline means we can help immediately and you can call us any time for urgent advice.

    • We commit to the demands of justice by acting quickly

    • We provide our expert attention to cases without unnecessary delay

    • We are ready to take immediate and fast action to fight for justice in your case

    • The size of our team means we can be there whenever you need us

  • We can attend court in any part of Victoria and interstate if required.

    • We commit to the demands of justice by being accessible

    • You can find us at three locations across Melbourne – no matter where you are, we are ready to assist

    • Our 24 hour advice hotline, open 7 days a week, is part of our action to meet the demands of justice for our clients

    • Our commitment to justice includes being easy to access at every stage of a matter

    • If you need urgent advice you can call us right now on (03) 9781 4900

  • Our lawyers understand the fear and confusion you might be experiencing. Especially if this is the first time you’re going through something like this or you are unsure of what to do.

    • We commit to the demands of justice by guiding you

    • We help our clients understand every step

    • We listen and provide you with easy to understand information and advice

    • We ensure JDA clients do not feel confused

  • We strive to ensure your rights are protected at every stage of the process.

    • We commit to the demands of justice by fighting hard

    • Our expert criminal defence lawyers fight hard at every stage of your matter

    • We run appeals and carry out urgent work with a view to achieving the best possible result

  • We commit to the demands of justice by having a team of experts. Our team is comprised of three Law Institute of Victoria accredited criminal law specialists as well as several other solicitors with 10+ years’ experience.

    Our criminal defence lawyers are experts in handling a full range of criminal law matters in the:

    • Magistrates’ Court

    • County Court

    • Supreme Court

    • High Court

    • Children’s Court

    • Victorian Court of Appeal

    We also act in quasi-criminal proceedings such as Licence Restorations and matters heard in Racing, Disciplinary Tribunals, Crime Commission, Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission and in Coronial Inquests

    Find out more about our team.

  • We commit to the demands of justice by acting to ensure everybody can access the expert criminal law assistance they need.

    • We believe everyone deserves access to justice and quality legal representation

    • We provide a high level of expert criminal law advice and representation to all of our clients

    • We help both private clients and those eligible for funding assistance through Victoria Legal Aid

    • Our position as a preferred provider and panel firm of Victoria Legal Aid reflects our longstanding commitment to fairness and justice for everyone

    We have a strong reputation as a team of criminal law experts that fight hard for justice for our clients.

When Justice Demands Attention, you need James Dowsley & Associates.

Call us 24/7 (03) 9781 4900
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