Stary Norton Halphen & Galbally

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Stary Norton Halphen & Galbally

Stary Norton Halphen & Galbally is the leading criminal defence firm in Melbourne. We represent clients in complex, high-stakes matters.

Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Criminal Law Specialists. www.starylaw.com
Ph: (03) 8622 8200 * Available 24/7

18/06/2026

Serious criminal allegations are often more complex than most people realise.

These prosecutions are not always based on someone being “caught in the act” – they are frequently built over time using surveillance, telecommunications intercepts, financial records, and alleged associations between individuals.

Many people misunderstand what police are required to prove, how involvement is assessed, and the way evidence is presented in court.

Complex criminal investigations can involve multiple accused persons, extensive digital evidence, and long-running police operations before charges are even laid.

They can also often rely on things done by an accused after the alleged offence - ‘post offence conduct’. This might be alleged lies told, or things done to cover a persons tracks or implied admissions made to under cover police.

If you are under investigation or facing serious criminal charges, obtaining experienced legal advice early is critical. Decisions made at the beginning of a matter – including police interviews, communications with investigators, and bail applications – can significantly affect the outcome of a case.

At Stary Norton Halphen & Galbally, our criminal defence lawyers act in complex and high-profile criminal matters across Victoria, providing strategic advice and strong representation from the outset.

16/06/2026

When a young person is charged with a criminal offence, the consequences can be serious and far-reaching — particularly in Victoria’s current youth justice environment.

These matters can impact a young person’s liberty, education, employment, and future opportunities. Most cases are heard in the Children’s Court which has very specific provisions governing how cases are to be dealt with. However, some cases are deemed too serious to be heard in the Children’s Court and can end up being pushed into the County or Supreme Courts which can result in increased penalties and harsher outcomes.

Early legal advice is critical. From the outset, key decisions around police interviews, bail, and how a matter is presented to the Court can significantly influence the outcome.

Families should be aware that:

🔹 Bail decisions are often made quickly and can be highly consequential
🔹 What is said to police can be used as evidence in Court
🔹 Each case turns heavily on individual circumstances and background
🔹 Specialist representation in the Children’s Court is essential in serious matters
🔹 Having a proper understanding of all of the relevant sentencing and procedural provisions can be the difference between a case staying in the Children’s Court and being heard in a higher and more serious jurisdiction

At Stary Norton Halphen & Galbally, we have an Accredited Children’s Law Specialist with extensive experience representing young people in complex and serious criminal proceedings.

We provide clear advice, strong representation, and strategic advocacy focused on protecting both immediate rights and long-term outcomes.

11/06/2026

Home invasion and aggravated home invasion offences carry significant penalties in Victoria and are often prosecuted aggressively by police and prosecutors.

These matters can involve allegations relating to:

👉 Forced entry into a home
👉 Theft or assault allegations
👉 Weapons allegations
👉 Group offending
👉 Intent to commit further offences

Cases frequently rely on complex evidence, including:

👉 CCTV footage
👉 Phone and digital evidence
👉 DNA and forensic material
👉 Witness statements
👉 Police interviews
👉 Co-accused statements

At Stary Norton Halphen & Galbally, our lawyers have extensive experience defending clients facing serious indictable charges, including home invasion and aggravated burglary matters.

Early legal advice and strategic preparation are critical in serious criminal cases. https://www.starylaw.com/contact-us

10/06/2026

We are proud to announce the promotion of Alana Reader to Partner at Stary Norton Halphen & Galbally.

Since joining the firm 8 years ago, Alana has built an outstanding reputation as a fierce and highly respected criminal defence lawyer, known for her unwavering commitment to her clients and exceptional advocacy. Having practised exclusively in criminal law since 2018, Alana has extensive experience across a broad range of complex criminal matters and is an Accredited Criminal Law Specialist.

Alana has played an integral role in supporting clients through complex matters with professionalism, care and dedication.

Alana’s promotion to Partner reflects not only her expertise and achievements, but also the trust she has earned from clients, colleagues and the courts.

Please join us in congratulating Alana on this well-deserved achievement.

09/06/2026

👋 Meet Jenna McHugh

Senior Associate Jenna McHugh is an experienced criminal defence lawyer at Stary Norton Halphen & Galbally, regularly appearing in the Magistrates’, Children’s, and higher courts across Victoria.

Before joining the firm, Jenna practised in the Northern Territory across Darwin, Katherine, and Alice Springs, where she appeared in a wide range of complex criminal matters in the Supreme Court, Local Court, and Children’s Court.

Jenna frequently undertakes her own advocacy in:
⭐️ Bail applications
⭐️ Contested hearings
⭐️ Pleas
⭐️ Intervention order proceedings
⭐️ Contested committals

She has a particular interest in matters involving children charged with serious indictable offences and is passionate about ensuring clients receive strong representation and clear advice throughout the court process.

At Stary Norton Halphen & Galbally, Jenna is part of a highly regarded team of criminal defence lawyers committed to strategic advocacy and achieving the best possible outcomes for clients across Victoria.

Read more about Jenna and her experience here: https://www.starylaw.com/melbourne/jenna-mchugh

04/06/2026

Mobile phones, social media, encrypted messaging apps, and digital records now play a major role in criminal investigations.

Police may seek access to:
📞 Phone data
💬 Text messages
📱 Social media accounts
📍 Location tracking
☁️ Cloud storage and digital communications
📧 Email accounts
🔍 Internet search histories

Allegations involving digital evidence can arise in matters involving drug offences, fraud, assault, cybercrime, and organised crime investigations.

At Stary Norton Halphen & Galbally, our lawyers have extensive experience advising clients in complex criminal matters involving fore

📞 03 8622 8200

02/06/2026

With youth crime laws continuing to evolve across Victoria, allegations involving young people can carry serious and long-lasting consequences for their future.

At Stary Norton Halphen & Galbally, we understand the complexities of Children’s Court proceedings and the importance of early, strategic legal advice for both young people and their families.

Our team includes an Accredited Children’s Law Specialist with extensive experience representing children and young people facing criminal charges, including serious and high-profile matters.

We regularly advise and represent clients in matters involving:
🔹 Bail applications
🔹 Assault and violent offences
🔹 Aggravated burglary and theft offences
🔹 Intervention orders
🔹 Children’s Court proceedings

Strong representation at an early stage can make a significant difference to how a matter progresses through the court system.

29/05/2026

As May comes to a close, we are reflecting on a month of growth, connection and meaningful engagement across the legal profession and wider community at Stary Norton Halphen & Galbally.

🔹 CFLA Networking Night – Melbourne Law School
On Thursday 14 May, Partner Louise Conwell and Senior Associate Will Hart were pleased to attend the Criminal & Family Law Association (CFLA) Networking Night at Melbourne Law School.
The event provided a valuable opportunity to connect with students and future practitioners interested in criminal law, discuss pathways into the profession, and share insights into advocacy and criminal defence practice. We are always proud to support initiatives that foster professional development and meaningful engagement within the legal community.

🔹 Launch of Our New Website
This month also marked the launch of our new website: www.starylaw.com
The launch represents more than a refreshed online presence – it reflects the continued evolution of our practice, our shared values, and our commitment to delivering clear, strategic and client-focused legal services.

🔹 National Reconciliation Week
Throughout National Reconciliation Week, we reflected on the importance of listening, learning and strengthening relationships with First Nations peoples and communities.
As a firm, we recognise the importance of meaningful reconciliation and the role the legal profession plays in promoting access, fairness and justice for all Australians.

🔹 Victorian Justice Leaders AI Forum
Partner Sam Norton was pleased to represent Stary Norton Halphen & Galbally at the Victorian Justice Leaders AI Forum, convened by the Law Institute of Victoria.
Bringing together leaders from government, the courts and the legal profession, the forum explored the opportunities, challenges and responsibilities surrounding the ethical and effective use of artificial intelligence in legal practice and the administration of justice.

As we move into a new month, we remain committed to contributing to important conversations, supporting the profession, and continuing to evolve as a firm.

28/05/2026

The first 24 hours after being charged matter more than most people realise.

This is where we see the biggest avoidable mistakes happen – often before someone has even spoken to a lawyer.

Here’s what you should do immediately ⬇️

👉 Know exactly what you’re facing
Charges, bail conditions, and court date – get clarity from the start.

👉 Get legal advice early
Not later. Early advice can change how your entire case is managed.

👉 Don’t contact anyone involved
Even “innocent” contact can breach bail or make your situation worse.

👉 Assume everything you say may be used later
Messages, posts, and conversations can all become evidence.

👉 Follow bail conditions strictly
Even minor breaches can escalate quickly and result in custody.

The decisions made in this window often shape everything that follows.

If you need legal advice, get in contact with us as soon as possible. For 24/7 advice call (03) 8622 8200.

27/05/2026

It’s Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June), and this year’s theme, “All In,” is a reminder that reconciliation requires action from everyone — not just recognition, but commitment in practice.

At Stary Norton Halphen & Galbally, that responsibility is reflected in the work we do every day in the criminal justice system.

We act for clients facing serious allegations and complex proceedings, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who too often experience disproportionate impacts within the legal system.

Being “All In” means focusing on what happens in practice — ensuring every client receives proper advice, strong representation, and a fair opportunity to be heard.

Reconciliation is not separate from the law. It is reflected in how the law is applied, and whether it delivers fairness in reality.

That is where our focus remains.

Address

Level 12, 460 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne, VIC
3000

Website

http://starylaw.com/

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