Hayden Brodie, Criminal Lawyer
Hayden Brodie found his way to Dribbin & Brown Criminal Lawyers following an 18-month stint at a busy suburban criminal law firm, and we are glad that he did. After graduating from law in 2020, Hayden also completed his Juris Doctor at Stetson University College of Florida, ranking number one at law school for trial advocacy in the United States, where he gained valuable experience.
Hayden has an incredible passion for the criminal law and is a firm believer in the criminal lawyer’s important role in ensuring fairness in the justice system. Hayden considers every client’s story is important, and he works hard to advocate for his client’s best interests. He is compassionate and enjoys the rapport he builds with his clients, ensuring they receive the best service and outcome in every case.
Hayden has considerable experience representing clients charged in the Frankston Magistrates Court and appears on a daily basis. If you have been charged with a traffic, criminal or intervention order matter, Hayden is committed to achieving an exceptional outcome for you.
Hayden’s recent case outcomes:
1. Diversion for trafficking ecstasy, cocaine, psilocybin and possession of ketamine charges
A client residing in South Australia was referred to Hayden directly by a solicitor in Adelaide (having previously worked with that firm on a different case). The offending involved three young men travelling from South Australia by vehicle to a music festival in St Kilda. Following a routine intercept for a breath test, the vehicle was searched by police and found to contain traffickable quantities of several drugs.
The client was a young man with no criminal history, but the quantity of drugs transported across State borders was very concerning. However, the prosecution agreed to a diversion following extensive summary case conferencing and negotiations. Despite some initial hesitancy, the Magistrate acceded to the diversion recommendation. There were many competing sentencing factors, but following submissions, the Magistrate agreed that rehabilitation was a primary consideration. The Magistrate ordered diversion, resulting in a non-disclosable Court outcome for our client. This was an excellent result, considering the seriousness of the offending.
2. Withdrawal of charges for dealing with proceeds of crime over $30,000
Hayden represented a client charged for dealing with proceeds of crime over $30,000. Police alleged that our client opened numerous bank accounts, knowingly linked those to her company, and intentionally embezzled client funds for financial gain. On the contrary, our client instructed she had no requisite knowledge or intention to deal with the misappropriated funds.
Hayden examined the prosecution’s case, obtaining further information from the client’s accountant and identified discrepancies in the police evidence, including imitation email addresses and inaccurate phone details produced in the client’s name. Hayden also identified that many cash withdrawals occurred interstate, inconsistent with our client’s account that she had not travelled outside Victoria. The prosecution withdrew the charges, saving the client time, stress, and costs.
3. Minimum licence loss period and fine for drink driving (.24 BAC)
Hayden represented a client charged with driving under the influence of alcohol with an extremely high reading of 0.240. Our client had two relevant prior convictions and was at significant risk of receiving a custodial sentence (imprisonment). Appearing in the Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court, Hayden presented a detailed plea in mitigation with submissions outlining our client’s personal circumstances and the circumstances of the offending.
Hayden assisted in facilitating the client’s commencement of rehabilitation before the plea, which was critical to demonstrate our client’s good prospects for rehabilitation and mitigate the sentence. The Magistrate was satisfied with our client’s efforts at rehabilitation and ag reed that imprisonment would have an unnecessarily deleterious impact. The Magistrate imposed only a financial penalty of $1000 and licence suspension for the mandatory minimum period.
4. Fine with non-conviction for 56 serious charges
Appearing at the Frankston Magistrates’ Court, Hayden represented a client charged with a total of 56 criminal offences, including recklessly causing injury, unlawful assault, threats, theft and property damage. The offending involved a 42-year-old female and occurred in the context of a matrimonial breakdown.
After successfully negotiating the charges to a reduced amount, Hayden prepared a detailed plea in mitigation on the client’s behalf. Significantly, with Hayden’s assistance, the client sourced credible references to support her exceptional prior character, which the Court gave significant weight to. Additionally, after the client engaged in treatment, Hayden obtained a psychological report, which provided detailed insight and context into the client’s mental health at the time of the offending.
Ultimately, the Magistrate agreed with Hayden’s submissions and ordered a financial penalty with non-conviction. This was a sensational outcome, particularly given the severity of the charges initially imposed.
5. Diversion for recklessly causing injury and unlawful assault charges
Hayden represented a client charged with recklessly causing injury to his neighbour, an indictable charge with potentially severe penalties. The client’s daughter had been berated by their neighbour for unintentionally directing her car lights into the neighbour’s front bedroom. A heated verbal argument ensued between the client and his neighbour, during which the neighbour unintentionally struck the client’s daughter across the face. The client, in retaliation, struck his neighbour with a closed fist and split his head open.
It was clear that the elements of the offence were made out; however, the client had been provoked into committing the offence. After sourcing credible character reference materials and presenting mitigating facts in favour of our client’s position, Frankston prosecutions agreed to a recommendation for diversion. Hayden ensured that the summary of facts was accurately amended to reflect the events and drafted in-depth legal submissions to present to the Magistrate with the references. Ultimately, the Magistrate was convinced that a diversion program was appropriate. This was an excellent outcome, given the serious nature of the charge and the injury sustained to the victim.
Reviews from Google about Hayden at our Frankston office
Hayden possesses an unparalleled level of legal expertise and knowledge. His deep understanding of the law, coupled with his exceptional analytical skills, allowed him to navigate my case with precision and confidence. It was evident that Hayden's extensive legal background was an invaluable asset in achieving a positive outcome.
Hayden's exceptional communication skills deserve special mention. He provided clear and concise explanations of the legal processes, ensuring that I was well-informed and comfortable every step of the way. His prompt and thoughtful responses to my queries and concerns demonstrated his commitment to providing the best possible service.
However, what truly sets Hayden apart is his genuine care and understanding of the complexities of life. Throughout the entire process, he displayed a remarkable level of empathy and compassion, making me feel heard and understood. Hayden went above and beyond to ensure that I felt supported and guided during what was undoubtedly a challenging time. His ability to combine his legal prowess with a genuine concern for his clients' well-being is truly commendable.
Working with Hayden Brodie was an absolute privilege, and I am immensely grateful for his dedication and commitment to my case. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone seeking legal representation. With Hayden by your side, you can be confident that you have an advocate who possesses not only an impressive depth of legal knowledge but also a genuine care for your well-being.
Thank you, Hayden, for your exceptional support and representation. Your professionalism, legal acumen, and compassionate approach
You even followed up after the case with helpful links and we were all very happy with the outcome.
So grateful thanks again Hayden.
