Samantha Barwick, Criminal Lawyer
Early in her university education, Samantha Barwick developed a keen interest in criminal law, recognising the challenges in the criminal justice system and that not everyone has access to effective legal representation.
With experience working on death penalty cases in Singapore, at the Anti Death Penalty Clinic, Samantha’s determination to pursue a career as a criminal defence lawyer evolved with her passion for supporting and representing clients to achieve fair and just outcomes. With her intelligence, compassion and commitment to her client’s best interests, Samantha integrated seamlessly with the Dribbin and Brown Criminal Lawyers team.
Based in the Dandenong office, Samantha routinely advocates for clients at the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court in a range of traffic and criminal law matters, including guilty pleas, contest mentions, bail applications and intervention orders. With her meticulous approach, Samantha routinely achieves excellent outcomes for her clients.
Samantha’s recent case outcomes:
1. Fine without conviction following 9 driving offence charges
Our client was charged with a range of offences from minor infringements and drink driving to serious offences, including reckless conduct endangering life and dangerous driving.
Samantha identified that the prosecution’s case for several of the charges was weak, and following case conferencing with the prosecution, 6 of the 9 charges were withdrawn. The Court imposed a fine and non-conviction for the remaining offences.
2. Withdrawal of driving offence charges
Having previously represented himself, Samantha represented a client who adamantly expressed that he had mistakenly been charged for several driving offences, including drink driving, not having a supervising driver when a learner, and speeding.
Ignoring our client’s assertions, the police proceeded with 5 driving charges. However, following submissions in Court, Samantha managed to secure a complete withdrawal of all charges for mistaken identity.
3. Aggravated intervention order breach
Our client was charged in relation to an intervention order (IVO) matter for intentionally and recklessly causing injury. Due to the criminal charges for causing injury, the breach of the IVO was likely to result in him being unable to return to his residence.
Following successful negotiations with the prosecution, a final safe contact notice was agreed and our client was permitted to return to his home. Considering the aggravating features of the IVO breach, this was an excellent outcome.
4. Minimum licence suspension and fine with non-conviction for high level drink driving
Following a guilty plea for high level drink driving charges our client’s key concern was the adverse implications of a criminal record on his employment prospects.
Samantha made extensive submissions in respect of our clients personal circumstances in relation to the offending, including contributing mental health factors. The Court sentenced our client to the minimum licence suspension period and a fine without conviction, meaning that our client avoided a disclosable criminal record for the offence.
5. Good behaviour bond following serious driving offence charges
Samantha represented a client charged with dangerous driving, careless driving and use of a mobile while driving.
Following negotiations and case conferencing with the prosecution, the dangerous driving charges were withdrawn. A very grateful client was sentenced to a 12-month good behaviour bond and a donation of $400 to the Court fund.
Reviews from Google about Samantha at our Dandenong office
