News

Criminal Lawyers Group achieved multiple Section 14 mental health diversions for clients facing serious criminal charges across New South Wales. These outcomes reflect the courts’ continued acknowledgment that mental health impairments must be treated with care and compassion—especially where rehabilitation is more appropriate than punishment. What Is Section 14? Under the Mental Health and Cognitive […]

  In a decisive courtroom win, Steven Mercael of Criminal Lawyers Group has successfully defended a client charged with drug supply after police located 10 grams of cocaine in his possession. The client was found not guilty in the Local Court after the court accepted that the drugs were for personal use rather than for

In a decisive court victory, Steven Mercael, Principal Solicitor at Criminal Lawyers Group, has secured a Not Guilty verdict for a client charged with Affray following an incident at Bondi. The result comes after a diligent and independent investigation by our office uncovered crucial dash cam footage—evidence that police failed to obtain during their investigation.

Not Guilty: Man Accused of Destroying Property in Domestic Violence Case Wins at Liverpool Local Court Steven Mercael, Principal Lawyer at Criminal Lawyers Group, successfully defends client charged with “destroy or damage property” in domestic violence context – August 2025. A Western Sydney man accused of destroying his partner’s personal property during a heated argument

Steven Mercael, Principal Lawyer of Criminal Lawyers Group, secures Intensive Corrections Order for client charged with drug supply at Liverpool Local Court – March 2025. A Western Sydney man found in possession of a significant quantity of methamphetamine and heroin — enough to warrant charges of supply — has avoided full-time imprisonment, following successful sentencing

Steven Mercael, Principal Lawyer of Criminal Lawyers Group, secures non-conviction outcome for client facing drug possession charge at Downing Centre Local Court – August 2025. A young Sydney woman caught with a small quantity of cocaine on a night out in the city has avoided a criminal conviction, following persuasive sentencing submissions by leading criminal

  In a great legal victory for our client, Steven Mercael, Principal Solicitor at Criminal Lawyers Group, has successfully defended a client facing multiple serious charges including six counts of Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (AOABH) and three counts of Stalk Intimidation. After thorough investigation and strategic defence, all charges were formally withdrawn and dismissed

Charges of Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm Withdrawn  Date: 18 August 2025 Location: Sydney, NSW In a significant win for justice and due process, Steven Mercael, Principal Solicitor at Criminal Lawyers Group, has successfully defended a client charged with Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (AOABH) in a domestic violence context. The charges were formally withdrawn

  BACKGROUND: Steven Mercael, Principal at Criminal Lawyers Group, recently achieved a Section 14 dismissal for a client charged with serious assault involving a weapon. The client had been accused of threatening his housemate with a knife during a heated argument and slashing the housemate’s arm, causing visible injury. Police charged the client with reckless

Steven Mercael, Principal Lawyer of Criminal Lawyers Group, secures good behaviour bond for client facing dual drug supply charges at Downing Centre Local Court – August 2025. A Sydney man who supplied both MDMA and cocaine within minutes of each other as part of a dial-a-dealer drug operation in the CBD has avoided a jail