Based in Launceston, focused on criminal law

Our principal, James Oxley, has been practising criminal law in Launceston since 2008. Before establishing this firm, James was the Associate Director of Criminal Law at Legal Aid Tasmania and is a current member of the Law Society of Tasmania's Criminal Law Committee. He is both a barrister and solicitor, which means he handles cases from the first phone call through to trial if needed — you deal with the same lawyer throughout.

Unlike many firms in Launceston that list criminal law as one of a dozen practice areas, we do not practise in family law, conveyancing, or commercial law. As specialist criminal defence lawyers, that focus matters when your liberty or your record is at stake.

Launceston courts

We appear daily in Launceston's courts:

• Launceston Magistrates Court (Brisbane Street) — the busiest criminal court in northern Tasmania, handling matters from drink driving and vehicle offences through to contested hearings and committal proceedings
• Supreme Court of Tasmania (Cameron Street) — serious indictable matters including jury trials, complex sentencing, and appeals

Being based a few minutes' walk from both courts means we can respond quickly when matters arise — particularly urgent bail applications where time is critical.

Specialist court programs in Launceston

The Launceston Magistrates Court runs several specialist programs that can make a real difference to outcomes. We have extensive experience with all of them:

• Court Mandated Drug Diversion Program — an alternative to conventional sentencing for people whose offending is connected to substance use. Our lawyer Libby Oxley spent over seven years working with Community Corrections in Launceston, including directly with the drug diversion program, and brings firsthand understanding of how these programs work from the inside.
• Mental Health Diversion List — for people whose mental health has contributed to their offending, this list connects defendants with support services as part of the court process
• Youth Justice — cases involving young people require a different approach. We regularly appear in youth justice matters in the Launceston Magistrates Court.

What we handle

We take on the full range of criminal matters in Launceston — from straightforward traffic charges through to Supreme Court jury trials. Common matters we deal with locally include:

• Drink and drug driving
• Family violence offences
• Assault and violence charges
• Drug offences
• Restricted licence applications
• Bail applications
• Police interview advice
• Sexual offences

Legal Aid

We take on Legal Aid cases and can apply for funding on your behalf. If you are unsure whether you qualify, we can assess your eligibility at your first appointment.

Statewide practice

While Launceston is our home base, we appear in courts across Tasmania. James regularly travels to Hobart for Supreme Court and Magistrates Court matters, and appears in the Devonport and Burnie Magistrates Courts on the North-West Coast. Read more about our statewide criminal law practice.

Free first appointment

Your first meeting with us is free of charge. We will discuss your case, explain the process ahead, and give you straightforward advice about your options. Get in touch using the form below or give us a call.