Andrew Williams Your Criminal Lawyer in Western Australia

Yes. A guilty plea does not mean the outcome is fixed. Even when you are pleading guilty, the court must determine the appropriate penalty, and how your case is presented can have a significant impact on that result. This includes preparing material such as character references and demonstrating your personal circumstances, insight, and any steps toward rehabilitation. 

There may also be options available to reduce the impact of the outcome, including the potential to avoid a permanent conviction in appropriate cases.

The court is determined by the seriousness of the charge:

• Magistrates Court: Deals with less serious (summary) matters and many "either way" offences.
• District Court: Handles more serious indictable offences, such as serious assaults or drug charges.
• Supreme Court: Deals with the most serious charges, such as homicide.

Many matters begin in the Magistrates' Court before being transferred to a higher court if required. We represent clients across all Perth metropolitan and regional WA courts.

If you are facing charges in any WA court, contact Andrew Williams for a confidential discussion about your case.

Your first appearance is usually a procedural hearing known as a "mention". At this stage:

• The court confirms the charge and your bail status.
• You may be asked to enter a plea, though this is often adjourned to allow time for legal advice and prosecution disclosure (the evidence against you).
• The Magistrate may alter or extend your bail conditions. While no outcome is usually determined at this stage, it is a critical step.

Having a lawyer involved early ensures your case is managed properly from the very first hearing.

Learn more about the criminal trial process in WA here.

Charges can be withdrawn or reduced, but this usually depends on the strength of the evidence and the specific circumstances. Once a charge is laid, the prosecution decides whether to proceed. An experienced criminal lawyer can assess the evidence for weaknesses and make formal representations to the prosecution to have charges dropped or downgraded where appropriate.

Not every matter results in a permanent criminal record. In Western Australia, it is often possible to apply for a Spent Conviction Order. If granted, the conviction will not appear on a standard police clearance, which is vital for maintaining employment and travel opportunities. Whether a conviction is recorded depends on the offence, your prior history, and how your case is presented to the court.

Penalties vary depending on the nature and seriousness of the offence. They can include:

• Fines and court costs.
• Spent Conviction Orders.
• Community-based orders (CBO) or Intensive Supervision Orders (ISO).
• Suspended or immediate imprisonment.
• Driver’s licence disqualification (which can apply to non-traffic offences in some cases).

The way your case is prepared and presented can significantly influence which of these penalties the court imposes.

You are entitled to represent yourself, but it can place you at a significant disadvantage. 

Self-represented defendants often struggle with the complexities of prosecution disclosure and the strict rules of evidence. Engaging a criminal lawyer ensures your case is handled strategically, that all evidence is properly scrutinised, and that your interests are protected throughout the process.

At Andrew Williams Criminal Law Offices, our initial consultation is charged at a fixed fee:

• $220 for summary matters
• $330 for indictable matters

Beyond that, I offer fixed-fee representation for many matters, and an hourly rate of $200–$500 for more complex or lengthy cases. Every client is given a clear understanding of likely costs during their initial consultation before proceeding.

The hourly rates vary depending on the level of experience of the person undertaking the task.

I will provide you with an estimate of costs upfront so you will know what to expect from the outset.

At the appointment, I'll explain the elements of your charge, talk through whether you have grounds to plead not guilty or whether a guilty plea is the better option, and set out the likely outcomes either way. You'll leave with a clear understanding of where you stand and confidence in how to proceed.

Where possible, bring a copy of the prosecution notice, the statement of material facts, and your bail undertaking or court hearing notice, as these help me understand exactly what you've been charged with and the facts alleged against you. If the police haven't provided these yet, we can still meet — there are steps to have them released ahead of your court date.

Read more about preparing for your first appointment.