Services
Criminal, Police & Traffic Law
Legal Defence Lawyer and Representation – 24 Hour 0409645733
If you are facing criminal charges or a traffic offence you should seek legal advice at the earliest opportunity. Any allegations against you may have a life-changing effect. We offer you 24-hour access to a criminal lawyer & defence lawyer in Adelaide who understands that your needs may often extend beyond the hours of 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Given our vast experience in both prosecution & defence work across South Australia, we will provide you with immediate advice regarding the offences, possible penalties and the likely outcome including the ongoing effects of any court findings. We have vast experience in defence work involving offences of drug trafficking, violence, theft, fraud, sexual offences and driving offences including evading police and cause death by dangerous driving. In some instances, although you may not receive a conviction for an offence, you may have to disclose details of the charges and/or penalties to any future employer, insurance company or Government agency.
Early legal representation may result in the withdrawal of the charges or the successful negotiation of alternate penalties. New legislation now provides for discounts on a sentence by entering an early plea of guilt. These discounts do not apply to all offences. In these circumstances, Police may suggest that you plead guilty without first obtaining legal advice. Despite the incentive to do so, the consequences may not become clear until it is too late. For example, you may have a recorded criminal history even though a matter was resolved without conviction or you may have entered a plea of guilty in relation to a charge that could have been reduced or withdrawn. Our experience in both criminal lawyer Adelaide prosecution & defence work, allows us to provide you with the best advice at the earliest possible opportunity.
We Can Handle All Areas Of Criminal Law, Including:
Offences of violence – assaults, murder, arson, robbery, weapon possession, housebreaking, home invasion, carjacking, assault police
Intervention orders – stalking, domestic violence
Dishonesty offences – fraud, theft, receiving, white-collar fraud
Drug offences – possession, cultivation, manufacture, trafficking
Street offences – disorderly, graffiti, property damage
Driving offences – drink driving, cause death, speeding, serious driving offences, general traffic matters
Security Licences / Disciplinary matters - liquor licensing, AHPRA, NALHN, Passenger Transport Board, DPTI
Sex offences – rape, possess child pornography, indecent assault
Centrelink and ATO fraud offences
Customs and Fisheries matters
Bail applications – simple, prescribed applicants
Court appeals
Asset confiscation – Federal and State
Animal cruelty / RSPCA prosecutions
Breaches of bonds / Suspended sentences / Community Service Orders
In some circumstances, we will consider acting for you on Legal Aid matters. Do not hesitate to Contact Us with your enquiry. You will not be charged to initially meet or speak with us.
Your initial 30-minute personal or telephone consult is free of charge.
Meet the team

Phil Testa
Barrister & Solicitor
Phil Testa was admitted to practice in 2002 after completing a double degree in Arts and Law at Adelaide University. He has considerable experience in general legal …
- Family Law
- Personal Injury Law
- Civil Disputes & Litigation
- Commercial Law
- Wills and Estates
Learn more about Phil

Lauraine (Lauri) Evans
Barrister & Solicitor
Lauraine (Lauri) Evans was admitted to practice in 2005 after completing a degree in Law at The University of New England. She was a Police Officer for over twenty years …
- Criminal & Police
- Traffic Law
- Wills and Estates
Learn more about Lauri
have built their reputation on being accessible to their clients who instruct them in relation to a wide range of legal issues.
Phil Testa was incredible! He assisted me with an urgent matter he was efficient and capable all whilst performing thorough and accurate work! Would highly recommend he and his team are by far the best I have ever worked with. Honest and quick are rarity within the legal field. A true gem!
Flavio ScoteceI was extremely pleased with the professional and no-nonsense approach displayed by Phil in the handling of my case. The matter was resolved quickly and to my satisfaction. I would recommend Phil to anyone that has a difficult problem to handle and will definitely go back to him if required in the future.
William CornellI can't recommend Evans Testa Barristers & Solicitors enough should you ever find yourself in a position of needing a lawyer for your own circumstance. Lauraine is phenomenal in how she handles herself - from explaining the situation objectively from multiple perspectives to detailing potential outcomes and various options available.
Matt Russell
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What is a criminal matter?
In South Australia, a criminal matter refers to any legal case in which the State prosecutes an individual or organisation for allegedly committing a criminal offence in breach of a law.What legislation defines criminal or traffic offences in South Australia?
The legislation may include:
- Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 (SA)
- Summary Offences Act 1953 (SA)
- Controlled Substances Act 1984 (SA)
- Firearms Act 2015 (SA)
- Road Traffic Act 1961 (SA)
- Motor Vehicles Act 1959 (SA)
- Commonwealth Criminal Code (for federal offences)
What are some examples of criminal matters in South Australia?
These matters may include offences such as:
- Assault, domestic violence, murder
- Theft, robbery, fraud (incl. taxation and / or Centrelink matters)
- Drug possession, trafficking
- Drink/drug driving, dangerous driving
- Breach of bail
- Sexual offences
- Firearms offences
What are my rights when speaking with police?
- You have the right to remain silent but must provide your personal details when lawfully asked
- You have a right to speak to a lawyer prior to answering police questions
- If arrested, you must be told what you are being arrested for
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