Being charged with serious crimes, how do I find the best lawyer possible? (Australia)

I really need some help guys, i'm in Australia and i'm being investigated for serious drug trafficking on a commerical level, money laundering and tax evasion, relating to darknet activities.

I haven't had charges formally laid against me yet but i've had several bank accounts with over 100K in each of them frozen, a notice of audit from the tax department stating their intent to prosecute me and several people in my network have already been charged with drug trafficking and are in prison, and I know there's evidence that the police already have which will be good enough to put charges on me. In short i'm seriously screwed. I know that I will likely be arrested within the next couple of days and they will try to send me to prison for a very long time.

I've considered leaving the country but Australia is not an easy country to escape from, it's not like you can just sneak across the border to anywhere. I can't give away more than that for security reasons. I've seriously considered committing suicide but I love my family and I'd rather spend a long time in prison than put them through that.

Can someone please advise me where I can find a good lawyer, I have plenty of financial resources at my disposal and I can afford the very best lawyer money can buy. I can also afford to fight a long and protracted court case, money is not an issue in my situation.

The problem is I have no idea how to find the best lawyer possible. Google searching has found me a long list of lawyers in my city but no way of knowing which ones are better or worse than others. Is there some list out there which will tell me which lawyers have the best history of winning cases? I need the absolute best lawyer money can buy, i'll spend whatever is necessary to get the best legal defence I can.

Please help guys, I'm not a bad person and I never committed any violence against anyone, and I will probably be spending most of my adult life in prison because of the war on drugs. I really need your advice.


Comments


[26 Points] sapiophile:

/r/LegalAdvice


[21 Points] None:

[deleted]


[13 Points] _BobaFet:

I would flee the country if I was you.

The bad: Like you said, they have plenty of evidence, so even if you get the best lawyer, you'll probably still go away for a long time.

Pull your passport out of the drawer and go to Cambodia.

The good: Cambodia is a chill place, where with a lot of money, you can hide away for a long time.

Worst thing that can happen is they stop you at customs. But you are already screwed, so would take a chance.


[12 Points] SkinBintin:

Buy a boat. Come to NZ. I'll shout you a beer when you get here, then you can go hide in the bush using DOC huts as homes away from home.


[8 Points] None:

Serbia is relaxed 40cents a scooner a dollar a pack of smokes a dollar a burger 40 grand houses if you've got money brother they'll hide you if your white.


[7 Points] None:

look for a bust in your area and see who represents them. Another suggestion is find out who the Hells Angels use or the other big bikie gang you got down there. HA's put up good legal fight always.


[7 Points] NeedSeriousHelpASAP:

Thanks for all the advice guys it really means alot you've all put me in a much better headspace than I was before I made the post.

I'm really sorry but I think it's smartest if I don't say anymore as I don't want to possibly incriminate myself in real life more than I already am.

I've narrowed down the list to what I think are the best lawyers in my state according to the news articles and links you guys posted and send me to, i'm going to get everything sorted tomorrow the instant I wake up.

If anyone here wants to be a drug dealer and isn't selling right now please think long and hard about it first, I never in a million years thought i'd be in the situation i'm in right now, it feels like i'm stuck in a bad dream. You can make alot of money but the consequences are real and no matter how smart you are you always run the risk of getting caught.

Peace everyone and bless you all, I hope none of you are ever in the situation i'm in right now, I wouldn't wish the way i'm feeling on anyone.


[5 Points] lordredvampire:

If you're running away, then do the following (#1 is just pointing out your opsec mistake):

1) Depositing large amount of money in the bank is your biggest mistake, watch this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ez6xH-su2xI

Saul was spot-on! They're not after you because of your drug use, because you're not PAYING TAXES! If LE/DEA/AU LE don't have any drug case(s) against you then they will throw you in the brig for not paying taxes. Period (aka Tax Evasion - that happened to Wesley Snipes).

2) Get a fake ID and run away. Change your appearance and your attire (businessmen attire preferably). Stay at a secluded home or apartment or abandoned building for more than a year: this will allow your "mugshot" picture in peoples' head to dissipate overtime. Then you will need to move out ASAP within a year or two.

2a) Find a smuggler (a good one) who will be willing to transport you out of the country for a fee of course.

3) Paradise. With your hard-earned drug money, enjoy life while you're at it.

4) Do not use clearnet from this point on if you're planning to run away. Either use TOR only or TOR over VPN (use Whonix/Tails OS if you can). Get a burner laptop and phone if needed (recommended).

5) Do NOT put all of your hard-earned Bitcoins (converting into currency) into the bank. This is how the Sheep Marketplace Admin got caught in the first place (he bought a fancy house in Costa Rica and that sent a red flag to the IRS department in that country). Cheap Apartment/motel or if you can find someone to get you a house without revealing your ID.

6) If you need to cash out your Bitcoins - do it small. I advise you to cash it out via DNM cash-in-mail system. 10k every 6 months should do.

If you don't want to run away and rather retain a lawyer: BETTER CALL SAUL! If you have drugs manufacturing supplies and etc, destroy it and clean your house. If DEA/LE/AU LE unable to slap a drug charge on you, then you're more likely to be in jail for Tax Evasion - that's it - like what Saul said in the video. Talk to your lawyer.


[5 Points] fishburgr:

Firstly, if this is real which I don't think it is you need to stop commenting on this thread and delete all your posts and your account. You have effectively admitted guilt here, not smart.

Secondly, get a lawyer and speak to them, it doesn't have to be the greatest lawyer in the land to start off with, just google a criminal lawyer, any lawyer is going to have infinitely better advice than us redditors. If your arrest is imminent they will be able to prepare you for the police interview and advise you what to say, likely they will advise you to say nothing. Do not speak to the police without a lawyer present no matter how clever you think you are. Once you are charged and the initial interview is out of the way the lawyer can recommend another criminal lawyer if its as big a deal as you say it is and its above their pay grade. I've heard of frozen funds being allowed to be used for legal defense, a lawyer can advise further on that if its true.


[3 Points] JackJackSplat:

Ok. I have a really dumb idea; it's so dumb that I think it might work. I think you should just buy a shit ton of food, water and other basic living supplies. Then, go to the middle of noware, dig a big ass hole and live in that for a month or so. They would assume that you had left the country eventualy and they would maybe be looking for you else ware and stuff. You will probably need to leave the hole from time to time so you should also get some of those disguise glasses (you know, the ones with the fake nose and moustache on them) so peeps don''t recognize you. I actualy think this could work pretty well. I wish I had something alittle more helpful to add but this is all from me. Wish you the very, very best of luck!


[6 Points] throwaway57752:

I'm in the US, but in a similar situation a few years ago. I had no idea who the best lawyer was. Here's how I found out. I just called a couple of criminal attorneys and went in for an initial consultation. I told them what kind of a case it was, and then flat out asked them if money was no object who are the best attorneys for this. They gave me names. They also gave me advice I thought was good so I'll pass on to you:

  1. Figure out what your objective is. If you want a deal, you might want the lawyer who plays golf with the prosecutor. If you want to roll the dice, you want a lawyer who's good with juries.

  2. Find somebody you're comfortable with. The analogy he gave me was this. His kid had a health issue and the doctor wasn't explaining things well and he felt pressured, so he got a different doctor. The first doctor was probably a good doctor, but he wasn't comfortable with him so he found a different one.

If you're curious, they served a warrant on me and though they didn't arrest me that day, I knew they had the evidence and I was screwed. Looking at > 10yrs. I was going to commit suicide, but I didn't have the guts to do it. It's harder than I thought it would be. I thought about running, but I looked at the stats. Try to find people who run and never get caught. At least in the US for major felonies they will chase you to the ends of the earth, and very few are never found out. As technology advances (facial recognition, etc.) it's probably going to get harder to stay hidden.

In my case I got lucky. I got bail. We delayed it for almost 4 years by filing motions and appeals. We lost all of them, but it kept me out of jail waiting for trial. Then my lawyer basically convinces the prosecutor that I'm a good guy who made a mistake and points to the fact I've been out of jail for the last 4 years and haven't been in any trouble. What's the point of sending me to jail now? He got him to drop most of the charges, I plead guilty to some minor stuff and got probation. I hope you are as lucky.


[5 Points] Hank_Vendor:

I dunno how it works there.

but in uk you have a solicitor. who are general know a bits who can represent you at a magistrate . for more specialized representation abd for crown court cases. a solicitor will find you a barrister.

if I were you I would first ask contacts. every country has a Mr Not Guilty. if you got money you need to find him.

extra points. you arent done mate. prepare for jail but hope for freedom.

it ain't all about what you did. its whether the crooked arm of the law can prove it without breaking the law.

lastly. if it does go down. who cares. you got into the life. and you thought about this. we all did. so you need to grow a pair and do that shit like a man. for your families sake. make sure they will be ok for money. then make sure they know it aint shit for you. you can do it standing on your head.

and if it goes jailways - when you get sentenced just fucking hock up a bare fucking greeney. like pure chest infection phlegm ... the ones with a bit of tobacco in cuz. then flob that straight in the judges face fam. and make sure they all hear you shouting out he's a fuckin kiddy fiddler.

good luck man


[4 Points] None:

If you haven't been charged with anything why can't you leave the country?


[3 Points] notrecane:

Start reading. Deep. Find out exactly what the penalties are for your offenses and what the aggravating features (if any) are.

If it turns out that you really are looking at life, then it may be a measured decision that you make to go on the run. If it's just drug trafficking then I assume the years and resources invested in finding you will have to have a cap or a limit. Australia is a big country, couldn't you slip in to the bush (wait that didn't sound right) ha. Get a new identity from a fraud market. Obviously don't do this if the likely time you will serve is not too severe, because this will obviously add to your time if you get caught while on the run.


[3 Points] buticanfeelyours:

Sucks to hear mate.

My best advice based on nothing but my opinion is that you need to start interviewing lawyers tomorrow. Get in front of as many as you can and feel them out. The more the better, call around early and try and make appointments with 5 or so that day. You should be able to get through the receptionist gatekeeper and onto a meeting by dangling cash, maybe say you need a great lawyer on 20K retainer, you want to sign a contract tomorrow and that you would like to meet their best lawyer today.

Maybe ask the lawyer about their specific experience in similar cases, what resources they could avail at short notice based on your budget and how they would approach your particular case.

I think once you met a couple of lawyers you would have a feel for the level skill you are dealing with and will have gotten enough information to be make the next call, whether you want to keep interviewing on sign a contract.

Hope that helps, I have no specific experience to draw on but that's the direction I'd be going.


[3 Points] None:

Once you have your info please delete this post, Im sure LE is around.


[2 Points] None:

Hire this guy he looks like he can be a bastard and it doesn't matter his location. Money is not object so he just fly to you. If he is busy ask for a referral.

http://www.news.com.au/national/crime/sydney-bikie-boss-sam-ibrahim-to-be-deported-for-failing-character-test/story-fns0kb1g-1227513882588

Edit - good luck


[2 Points] throwawaybond007:

clean house. tumble bTC and encript all your BTC wallets. Clean house again. get all your BTC and anything incrimination FAR AWAY from you . Clean your house again. DBAN THE FUCK OUT OF ALL HDD's that have ever had any activity with DNM. Then to be sure take to the HDD's with hammers and a drill. Get rid off all OLD BTC addresses and LOCK down all internet account thats have access to your BTC history etc. CLEAN HOUSE AGAIN. STOP DEALING COMPLEATLY. Get rid of any contacts that are suspect or locked up. Get a good lawyer. DONT ADMIT ANYTHING. if they arrest you DO NOT SPEAK. use your rights to silence. TRUST ME HERE. DONT SAY A WORD TO AFP/local police. NOTHING. GET ALL DRUGS OUT OF YOUR HOUSE, fuck bro sounds like you still have a bit of time maybe. they big thing I would be worried about is your BTC addresses you have used. Its so easy for anyone to follow coins back to old markets eg. SR1 & sr2 or BMR or what ever. check out blockseer.com and you will see what i mean. if they find your pirv keys they can prove you had access to the coin and received payments/ made payments etc


[2 Points] adlskflklamsdfl:

I don't know much about Australia, so take this for what it is - USA-centric advice. But you want a criminal defense lawyer who tries cases. Someone who has acquittals in drug cases in his history. There is a whole cadre of lawyers in the US that just plea bargain for a living. You need a trial lawyer. Unfortunately, you're right, finding a good lawyer is more an art than a science. You want to ask around. Find lawyers who are NOT criminal defense lawyers, and ask THEM who the best criminal lawyers are. They don't want your business, so they won't lie. Find someone who has experience with drug trafficing cases, who has trial experience (preferrably lots of it), and someone who had won some of those cases (preferrably most or all, but that's a challenge to find). Good luck to you. Keep fighting. We're pulling for you here. I hope you get acquitted.


[2 Points] bobbiggs69:

Ask the internet


[2 Points] chewybaka0:

dude you really need to get rid of this thread aye.


[1 Points] 1pop23:

rael?


[1 Points] select1on:

How much money do you have? I'd go for ex QC to defend me. Ring the law/legal association and ask for criminal lawyers and see if you can find one that you can barely afford. See at least three and get the one you like best.


[1 Points] None:

Go to png mate with a passport its a short ride get a ticket from png to east Europe


[1 Points] watchyourface:

Why were you keeping so much money in several bank accounts with no legit explanation? Do you not have a mattress at home? 😢


[1 Points] None:

Please tell me you're not a vendor


[1 Points] diOpAnonMu:

http://rageuniversity.com/PRISONESCAPE/GROUP%20SECURITY/Ask-Me-No-Questions-NO%20LIES.pdf - read this, it'll help you keep your mouth shut.


[1 Points] inb4op:

Better call Saul

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPd67CEL54E


[1 Points] BurningMan94:

Flee the country bro. At least try.

Better than doing life in prison for this bullshit.

Fuck the po-po.


[1 Points] sillysally11:

Go live in the outback lol Go out to the bush and live off of the land. Be a recluse like the unibomber, living in a tiny hut in some obscure location. No but seriously, as you said, with no bordering nations to escape to, I don't know how you'd manage to flee, unless of course you can obtain fake ID.

This is why when I sold, I only sold weed and shrooms, the charges are much much less severe than if you sell "hard" drugs. Worst case scenario for me with no priors would have probably been probation, maybe a month or two in jail, maybe.


[1 Points] throwawaybond007:

Do not underestimate the possibility of being linked to a darknet BTC address. Remember the FEDS have the SR1 source inc all BTC addresses used within the system. Dont even leave any public keys laying around. If they can find a priv key that (for example. a vendor sent his BTC from sr 1 vendor account to a wallet your screwed.)


[1 Points] None:

You got this boss man! If you need any support I know I don't have much but you are welcome to PM me anytime ya want !


[1 Points] druggieslut:

This is why Mexican drug lords from the cartels have rooms in their houses totally full of stacks and stacks of cash.

I'm confused how you money laundered and tax evaded at The same time. In the us, criminals on your scale generally pay full taxes on profits from their criminal enterprises, because our IRS will investigate harder than the cops, lol...


[1 Points] stalexmilk:

best of luck


[1 Points] high_as_flight93:

Flee the country bro


[1 Points] XMistiKmaNx:

Start a new business in gaol, plenty of money to be made there.


[1 Points] 3meopcpnumberonefan:

I can't believe you didn't already have a lawyer on retainer. That's clown shoes.


[1 Points] Kman29:

Can't you goto a pier and offer to pay someone to take you via their boat out of the country ? Surely that would work.


[1 Points] ForensicFungineer:

Time to hop a boat and end up in South America.


[1 Points] None:

Some people are BORN into corporations, they buy politicians, they make the laws, they kill our planet, and make us go into wars, some illegal, all for profit. They steal from their workers, give hardly anything back, and if they get caught with a large amount of drugs, it's a scandal. Nothing happens, they get tax breaks. A young man, assuming you're <30, starts his own business in a free market country. He's so goddamn smart that he created a drug empire (commercial level to me is empire). But this bright minded fella has fallen victim to the War on Drugs, fallen victim to making drugs illegal and is so afraid of the people that are suppose to protect him from real evil, he'd commit suicide. This is what oppression looks like. It really hurts me to see stuff like this. You did what you had to do, it grew, you became successful as fuck, and assholes want a piece, so they're going to shut you down (in terms) and throw you in jail and steal all of your hardwork money. I wish I could give you advice other than, get on a boat, or pay someone off to put you on a cargo ship, and go to a different country. I hope you make it out of this, I hope you stay strong through it all. Keep your head up, godspeed.


[1 Points] None:

Well, my 2 cents from a fellow aussie- 1) Try to destroy any connection your income came from drugs. The more money you have, the harder this is to prove, nonetheless the feds will go after you with drug trafficking charges should the be able to draw that connection.

2) Get the best lawyer you can find/afford. Look for a queens counsel, they are the best (but fucking expensive - hundreds of thousands). A good lawyer can turn a 10 year sentence into a 3 year sentence. I.e Australia look at cases quite holistically - motive, your circumstances, how long you did it for, what you did the with money, whether your remorseful, your cooperation with the police, etc etc.

3) Do what the lawyer says, if he's a good one. If he says the best case scenario is a plea-bargain of 5 years, then take the 5 years. Court cases are expensive for everyone, and prosecutors by law have to provide the defense with the evidence they have against you (pretty sure this is the case).

All i got - good luck


[1 Points] FishMonkeyMan41:

Could always hop the border in a kangaroo pouch.


[1 Points] rabbitsfootx:

It was so hard reading this man, just remember keep your mouth shut and get a lawyer! You'd be surprised how many people get out of these situations because they only make the news when they get convicted. Good luck my friend


[1 Points] UncleLEO420:

Hope you have more in cash and btc than you had in the bank!


[1 Points] throwawaybond007:

i think this is it.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-07-31/cash-meth-seized-in-raids-on-perth-properties/6662216


[1 Points] cashcoinsmetals:

Run motherfucker run!

Put all you money into coins (that can be accessed via an email or electrum seed or something in case you lose your flash drive on your journey) and maybe 30k cash. Then use cash to find a place to live off-the-grid in a harbor-town. Find someone you can pay to boat your ass out of the country.

Charter a boat, motherfucker, charter a boat, you can do it!

Maybe get some fake IDs before you go. Not completely necessary because you haven't been arrested or charged yet, so you can probably still use your real passport if needed. Can worry about getting fake IDs once you get to your destination if you don't have time.

Run motherfucker run!


[1 Points] noh6uisssiw:

If you're in Sydney I know the best Criminal lawyer who can help you.


[1 Points] None:

you should just kill yourself. your family will get over it eventually. haha you sound like a coward. suicide is the most selfish thing anybody could do. lawyer up. withdraw as much money as possible if you still can. bury it and turn yourself in. turing yourself in will actually help alot. the faster you get the process started the faster you will be home with your family.


[-1 Points] wombosio:

You can't blame this on the war on drugs.. The only reason you were able to make money from selling is because of the war on drugs..