Daniel Walsh, Criminal Lawyer
Daniel Walsh has practised exclusively as a criminal defence lawyer since his admission to the legal practice in 2015. Formerly working for a criminal law practice in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, Daniel is our managing lawyer at our Dandenong Office and travels to Melbourne regularly.
In recognition of his enhanced skills and substantial involvement in criminal law, Daniel received his criminal law specialist accreditation (Law Institute of Victoria) in 2020. Daniel’s other achievements include receipt of the Merlin Myer Leadership Award from the Foundation for Young Australians, the Monash Prize in 2008 and the Monash Scholarship for Excellence and Equity in 2009. Daniel also provided legal services to those who could not afford legal representation at the Springvale Monash Legal Service.
Daniel is a natural advocate with an acute aptitude for the nuances of criminal law. He considers his client’s circumstances and applies the law with a forensic level of detail reflected in the exemplary outcomes he achieves for his clients. Daniel is a highly skilled and reputable lawyer who enjoys an excellent rapport with prosecutors and Magistrates.
Daniel’s recent case outcomes:
1. Sexual Penetration of a child under 16 - County Court – Not guilty
Our client was charged with several historical sexual offences against a former partner’s child. The matter proceeded through committal and trial. Key wins during pre-trial arguments resulted in the exclusion of prejudicial evidence, and, at trial, the jury returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty for all charges.
2. Trafficking a commercial quantity of a drug of dependence - County Court
Our client was charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of drugs and remanded in custody. Acting quickly, Daniel arranged to bail our client to a residential rehabilitation facility. Negotiations resulted in significant concessions from the prosecution regarding our client’s role and level of culpability. Our client received a sentence of only 63 days imprisonment (which was time served) and a 3-year community corrections order.
As trafficking a commercial quantity of drugs is liable to a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a fine of 5000 penalty units, this was an excellent outcome for our client.
3. Refuse breath test – Heidelberg Magistrates Court – Not Guilty
Our client was charged following refusal to remain at the police station to provide an evidentiary breath test. The client needed their licence for their employment. Close analysis of the body worn camera (BWC) footage and statements revealed that the police had not properly informed our client of the requirement to remain. After hearing evidence and considering written and oral submissions at the contested hearing, our client was found not guilty of the charge. They kept their licence and obtained a cost order against Victoria Police for legal costs.
4. Speeding – Dandenong Magistrates Court - Acquitted
Daniel represented a client charged with exceeding the speed limit by more than 45km/h. The case was based on evidence from police reading their speedometer following behind our client’s car. The accounts of the two police in the vehicle were inconsistent, and further evidence obtained suggested that the police speedometer may have been up to 13 km/h above the actual speed. The Magistrate was not satisfied beyond reasonable doubt of the alleged speed and wanted to substitute a lower speed, such that the client was alleged to have exceeded the speed limit by 35-44 km/h. Following extensive legal argument, the Magistrate accepted this adjustment was not lawful, and our client was acquitted of the speeding charges. Our client retained his licence and obtained a costs order against Victoria Police for his legal costs.
5. Rape, Stalking, Burglary – County Court
Our client was charged with several offences related to one complainant. Our client had no priors and was not on a permanent VISA. As a result of the charges, our client’s VISA was revoked. The charges proceeded to trial, and Daniel made submissions that the complainant had a motive to make false allegations. The Court acquitted our client of charges and released from custody. Our client was grateful to have his VISA cancellation overturned and to remain in Australia.
Reviews from Google about Daniel at our Dandenong office
His receptionist is great makes the process easy to arrange documents. Highly reccomend.
They at no time doubted my innocence and explained everything that was happening and what was going to happen to me and my family.. i was found not guilty of all charges and thank my team of Daniel Samantha and the Barrister Dribben and Brown chose for my court appearance for my freedom and future.. Kenneth
