Balot Reilly Criminal Lawyers, 462 William Street, Melbourne (2026)

23/07/2026

BAIL GRANTED – COMMERCIAL QUANTITY DRUG TRAFFICKING | GEELONG MAGISTRATES’ COURT

Balot Reilly Criminal Lawyers successfully secured bail at Geelong Magistrates’ Court for a former corrections officer facing serious allegations of trafficking a commercial quantity of methamphetamine, trafficking Buprenorphine strips within a high-security prison, dealing with proceeds of crime & unauthorised disclosure of personal information.

Importantly her previous bail application had been refused while represented by another law firm. This second application required proof of exceptional circumstances—the highest bail threshold under Victorian law.

Our criminal defence team undertook extensive preparation, gathered compelling supporting material, worked closely with the family, & presented a carefully structured bail application. Mr Balot conducted strategic cross-examination of the police informant, exposing significant issues in the prosecution case. Despite admissions made during the police interview, the Court accepted there were triable issues concerning the commercial trafficking, together with strong family support and suitable supervision.

The prosecution argued OC posed an unacceptable risk of interfering with witnesses. Through persuasive legal submissions, Mr Balot demonstrated exceptional criminal defence advocacy, establishing that any perceived risk could be effectively managed by strict bail conditions. The Magistrate found exceptional circumstances & granted bail.

02/07/2026

UNLAWFUL ASSAULT CHARGE WITHDRAWN AT COURT

Balot Reilly Criminal Lawyers recently represented a client charged with unlawful assault arising from an alleged family violence incident.

The matter was listed at the Ringwood Magistrates’ Court and involved an allegation that our client assaulted his wife during a domestic dispute at the family home. Our client denied the allegation and maintained that the incident had been misunderstood in the context of a stressful family situation.

Our Melbourne criminal defence lawyers carefully reviewed the police material, the alleged facts, the surrounding circumstances, and our client’s detailed instructions. The matter also involved an existing family violence intervention order, which required careful consideration alongside the criminal assault charge.

After thorough preparation and discussions at court, the unlawful assault charge was withdrawn.

This outcome highlights the importance of obtaining early legal advice from experienced criminal defence lawyers, particularly in matters involving family violence allegations, intervention orders, assault charges, and domestic disputes. A criminal charge can have serious consequences for a person’s family, employment, reputation, visa status, and future.

Balot Reilly Criminal Lawyers regularly represent clients charged with unlawful assault, family violence offences, intervention order breaches, assault charges, and criminal matters across Melbourne, Ringwood, and throughout Victoria.

30/06/2026

ASSAULT WITH A WEAPON / STABBING CHARGES WITHDRAWN BEFORE FIRST HEARING

Balot Reilly Criminal Lawyers represented a client charged with serious assault offences arising from an alleged stabbing incident, including recklessly causing injury, unlawful assault with a weapon, and unlawful assault.

Police alleged that the parties had been drinking, our client (OC) assaulted the complainant with a knife, causing lacerations, bruising and scratches.

Our Melbourne criminal lawyers carefully reviewed the brief of evidence, the disclosure, the photographs, and the prosecution case. Significant issues were identified in the police investigation.

Victoria Police photographed the complainant’s injuries, but not of OC’s injuries, despite OC being covered in blood and requiring medical treatment.

In our view, the prosecution would have faced real difficulty proving beyond reasonable doubt that OC had not acted in self-defence.

Following careful preparation and negotiations, all assault charges were withdrawn at the Contest Mention at the Ringwood Magistrates' Court.

This result highlights the importance of engaging experienced criminal defence lawyers early, particularly in serious assault, stabbing, and assault with a weapon.

Balot Reilly Criminal Lawyers regularly represents clients charged with assault, unlawful assault, assault with a weapon, recklessly causing injury, intentionally causing injury, stabbing offences, and self-defence matters in the Magistrates’ Court.

16/06/2026

SPEED DANGEROUS CHARGE WITHDRAWN – NO CONVICTION & NO FINE FOR SPEEDING 57km/H+ OVER THE LIMIT

Our client, a young man in his early 20s, was charged with exceeding the speed limit by 45km/h or more after allegedly driving 57km/h over the limit. He was also charged with dangerous driving in Victoria.

Police alleged he overtook another vehicle while travelling at more than 130km/h. His vehicle was impounded for 30 days and he received an immediate licence suspension under a section 85 Notice.

Our Melbourne criminal defence lawyers requested and obtained further evidence, which was not initially disclosed by police, and carefully reviewed it and identified that the footage did not definitively show our client overtaking another vehicle. Following strategic negotiations with the prosecution, the speed dangerous charge.

At court, our traffic offence lawyers presented a thoroughly prepared plea in mitigation. Our client received no conviction undertaking (bond) no fine, and the minimum mandatory licence disqualification which was backdated to the date of the offence.

Balot Reilly Criminal Lawyers exclusively practise criminal law. If you have been charged with speeding, dangerous driving, traffic offences, or criminal offences such as family violence, assault, sexual assault, theft, drug possession, drug trafficking, homicide or murder in Victoria or anywhere in Australia, our experienced Melbourne criminal lawyers can help protect your licence, criminal record, and future.

29/05/2026

2nd DIVERSION GRANTED | ASSAULT MATTER

Our client (OC) was charged with assault following an incident with another vendor in his building.

There had been ongoing tension between the parties for years, including allegations that the complainant had been verbally abusive and threatening towards our client and other vendors in the building.

On the day of the incident, CCTV captured a physical confrontation between the parties. OC instructed that he felt threatened when the complainant approached him and that OC’s actions occurred in response to a perceived threat.

Victoria Police indicated that they would recommend the matter be dealt with by way of diversion. However, OC had previously received a diversion, which made obtaining a further diversion more difficult.

It was essential for defence to show the court OCs good character, background, family responsibilities, and employment history.

Through careful preparation and strategic representation in court, George Balot successfully obtained a 2nd diversion for OC.

This outcome ensured that OC avoided a criminal record, allowing him to continue operating his business in an industry where trust and reputation are essential. It also allowed him to move forward with his life and travel overseas with his young family.

If you have been charged with assault, affray, recklessly causing injury, intentionally causing injury, or any violence-related offence in Victoria, it is important to obtain experienced advice early!

22/05/2026

FAMILY VIOLENCE INTERVENTION ORDER MATTER RESOLVED BY UNDERTAKING | TOP MELBOURNE CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Our top Melbourne criminal defence lawyers recently acted in a complex Family Violence Intervention Order (FVIO) matter involving two doctors working within the Victorian public hospital system.

Our client (OC) and the Affected family member (AFM) had previously been on 3 dates. On the 3rd date, the AFM accused OC of sexual assault when he forgot to wear protection during what was otherwise consensual in*******se.

More than a year after the incident, the Victoria Police Informant applied for an interim FVIO on behalf of the AFM. The interim intervention order conditions sought would have prohibited our client from attending within 200 metres of the AFM’s workplace, placing his medical career, hospital rotations, and ongoing employment as an emergency doctor at serious risk.

Importantly, our client had no intention of contacting the AFM and had actively avoided interaction whenever they crossed paths professionally.

At court, George Balot made detailed submissions that there was no ongoing risk of future family violence, no basis for a final FVIO, and that a final intervention order would unfairly jeopardise our client’s career and potentially remove a doctor from the emergency healthcare system.

The matter was successfully resolved by way of a co-signed undertaking, allowing our client to continue his medical career and move forward without a final FVIO overshadowing him.

15/05/2026

FVIO WITHDRAWN | TOP MELBOURNE FVIO CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Our top criminal defence lawyers in Melbourne recently acted in a complex Family Violence Intervention Order (FVIO) matter involving allegations arising from a domestic dispute within a long-term de facto relationship.

The parties had been in a committed relationship since 2023, living together, sharing finances, registering their relationship, and providing evidence to the Department of Home Affairs. After previously agreeing to an open relationship, tensions later escalated when the parties returned to exclusivity and disagreements arose regarding ongoing contact with a former mutual partner.

An argument resulted in property damage and a police application for an FVIO on behalf of the affected family member (AFM).

Our client immediately engaged in counselling, behavioural change programs, and proactive rehabilitation-focused support.

The AFM later filed a statement of non-complaint and the FVIO was withdrawn!

Our expert Melbourne family violence lawyers understand that FVIO allegations often arise during highly emotional relationship breakdowns and can significantly impact a person’s employment, reputation, immigration status, fi****ms licence, family law proceedings, and future criminal record.

As leading criminal defence lawyers in Melbourne, our team regularly appears in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court and courts across Victoria representing FVIO clients, assault allegations, and related criminal charges.

10/05/2026

CROSS EXAMINATION | TOP CRIMINAL DEFENCE LAWYERS MELBOURNE | MELBOURNE COUNTY COURT

Our Melbourne criminal defence lawyers achieved a significant result in a complex sexual offence matter after an extensive and rigorous cross-examination of the Informant.

During the committal hearing, detailed cross-examination examined aspects of the SOCIT informant’s investigation and evidence. Following the hearing, the informant was understood to have taken stress leave from duties.

Working closely with highly experienced Counsel, our Melbourne criminal defence team carefully analysed prosecution's brief, disclosure material, witness statements, and investigative process.

Cross-examination is one of the most important aspects of criminal defence advocacy in contested criminal matters. In sexual offence cases, the ability to carefully test the prosecutions evidence, examine inconsistencies, and expose investigative shortcomings is critical to achieving the best possible outcome.

At Balot Reilly Criminal Lawyers, our Melbourne criminal defence lawyers regularly appear in the Magistrates’ Court and County Court in serious and complex criminal matters, including sexual offence allegations, assault charges, family violence allegations, and other indictable offences.

Our firm works tirelessly to prepare every matter thoroughly, strategically analyse every piece of evidence, and ensure that our clients receive strong and fearless representation throughout the criminal justice process.

05/05/2026

Thank you Jon for such an exemplary review!

Read the whole review below:
My only wish is involving George and the team sooner. Balot Reilly stood out by a mile from other prospective firms I examined and interviewed. From day dot to present, Principal Solicitor George Balot has been empathetic with humility; yet meticulous, brilliant and shrewd throughout every step of legal proceedings. George's attention to detail captured every aspect of risk, at every step of the way, ensuring we were always one step ahead. We were dealt many bad hands, but nothing beats a competent professional who handles them successfully. Compared to other solicitors, George is seasoned and someone I will gladly have on my team.

Like me, George is very particular about the team he selects. Luke Tizanni worked hard tirelessly and diligently on my case, he took the time to gather every detailed complexity of my matter, providing smooth coordination and communication between every individual involved. Luke answered my endless queries and concerns, and ensured a successful outcome remained the priority. He provided extensive coverage into my matter, while coordinating with the wider team. The team have been dedicated and instrumental to our success, supporting George and Luke at every step of the way. The team was always supportive and accessible, keeping me informed and confident through their expertise and professionalism.

The team’s support and instructions towards top-tier barristers, and the delivery of each barrister in court has been nothing short of excellent. Every detail in my long list of instructions were captured, strategically considered with expertise, and delivered without room for error. Each Counsel thoroughly prepared, and made me feel I was in good hands. Having watched their exemplary approach in court, I am amazed and glad to have chosen Balot Reilly as my representation. We achieved a great positive outcome despite insurmountable odds. Myself, and my family, are grateful to everyone here! Thank you for helping me beat false allegations against a very vicdictive ex-partner. My future is secured!

30/04/2026

Thank you for the kind review Yathaarth!

At Balot Reilly, our clients are more than just a number. We truly do care about the wellbeing of every client and take a holistic approach to supporting clients every step of the way.

Read the full review below:
I cannot thank George and Luke enough for the incredible support and outcome they achieved in my drink driving case. From the very beginning, they guided me step by step through what felt like an overwhelming and stressful process. They took the time to clearly explain everything, made sure I understood my options, and always worked toward the best possible result.
George is a true professional, gentleman and and always had great finesse. His professionalism, compassion, and dedication was prominent throughout the entire process. I also want to sincerely extend my gratitude to Luke, Ana and Bailey who worked so hard during the preparation stage. They were always polite, patient, and took the time to answer every phone call, every single question and concern I had. No matter when I reached out, they were there when I needed them, which gave me a lot of comfort and confidence.

The team was exceptional both before and after the court hearings. They were always prepared, professional and confident in representing me, which reassured me during a very difficult time. Beyond just the legal side, they genuinely cared about my wellbeing. There were times when I was feeling really low, and they didn’t just focus on the case—they checked in on me personally, even on days that had nothing to do with court. That is testament to their holistic approach to their clients.

They handled my case with pride and determination, and thanks to their hard work, we achieved the best possible outcome. This result has made a huge difference in my life and I can continue to look after my young family.

I’m incredibly grateful for everything they’ve done. If you’re looking for someone who is not only highly skilled but also genuinely supportive and committed, I couldn’t recommend this team more.

Balot Reilly Criminal Lawyers

23/07/2026

02/07/2026

30/06/2026

16/06/2026

29/05/2026

22/05/2026

15/05/2026

10/05/2026

05/05/2026

30/04/2026

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