Business Details
15 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Criminal Lawyers in Perth
Perrella Legal was established in 2011 with a clear mission: to provide professional, honest, and cost-effective criminal law representation across Western Australia. Our team of specialist criminal lawyers brings decades of combined experience, including former prosecutorial roles that give us unique insights into building robust defense strategies. We pride ourselves on transparency, offering fixed-fee billing structures that eliminate the uncertainty of traditional hourly rates. Our commitment to client empowerment is demonstrated through free initial consultations, where we explain legal processes, court procedures, and likely outcomes in accessible terms.With a proven track record of securing acquittals, non-custodial sentences, and charge dismissals, we combine technical expertise with compassionate advocacy. Our Quality Practice Standard accreditation from the Law Society of Western Australia underscores our dedication to documented internal processes that enhance client satisfaction. We represent clients in all courts throughout WA, including District Court, Supreme Court, Magistrates Court, and Children's Court, with particular expertise in complex cases involving drug offenses, sexual offenses, and homicide charges.
Services
District Court Representation
Supreme Court Defense
Magistrates Court Matters
Children's Court Cases
Drug Offense Defense
Sexual Offense Representation
Homicide Defense
Breach VRO Cases
Traffic Offense Defense
Spent Conviction Applications
Details
- Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
- Free initial consultation with specialist criminal lawyers
- Fixed-fee billing structures with no hourly rate charges
- 24/7 availability for urgent legal matters
- Former prosecutors with insider knowledge of prosecution strategies
- Quality Practice Standard accredited by Law Society of WA
Associations and certifications
- Quality Practice Standard (QPS)
What people say
Exceptional ability
Honest, transparent
Fighter in court
Tireless work
Excellent value
Services
District Court Representation
Perrella Legal provides expert representation in District Court matters involving serious criminal charges. Our experienced team handles drug offenses, sexual offenses, and violent crimes with strategic defense approaches developed through decades of combined legal experience. We prepare comprehensive case strategies from initial police interviews through to trial or sentencing, leveraging our deep understanding of prosecution tactics gained from former prosecutorial roles. Our fixed-fee billing ensures cost certainty while maintaining aggressive courtroom advocacy.
Supreme Court Defense
Our firm specializes in Supreme Court matters including murder and manslaughter charges. With exclusive jurisdiction over homicide offenses since 2019, we provide continuous representation from police investigations through committal proceedings to final court hearings. Our team's experience includes complex forensic analysis, witness preparation, and jury trial strategies. We focus on challenging prosecution evidence while developing robust defense narratives that address the specific circumstances of each case.
Children's Court Cases
Perrella Legal represents young people facing charges in the Children's Court of Western Australia. Our lawyers understand the unique sentencing objectives and procedural requirements for juvenile offenders. We work closely with young clients and their families to develop appropriate defense strategies for charges ranging from property offenses to serious violent crimes. Our approach emphasizes rehabilitation while protecting legal rights throughout the court process.
Drug Offense Defense
We defend clients facing drug-related charges from simple possession to commercial trafficking. Our expertise covers cases involving prohibited drugs, trafficking operations, and cultivation charges. We analyze forensic evidence, challenge chain-of-custody issues, and develop defense strategies tailored to the specific circumstances. Our experience includes securing charge dismissals, negotiating reduced penalties, and achieving non-custodial sentences for complex drug offense cases.
Spent Conviction Applications
Our firm assists clients seeking to have past criminal convictions declared spent under Western Australian law. We guide clients through eligibility requirements, prepare comprehensive applications, and represent them in court proceedings. This service helps individuals remove historical convictions from public records, improving employment opportunities and personal prospects while maintaining compliance with legal requirements.
People
Michael Perrella
Principal Lawyer
With over 20 years' experience, Michael Perrella established Perrella Legal after serving as a prosecutor for both Commonwealth and Western Australian governments. His expertise spans complex criminal trials, including 7-day homicide cases resulting in full acquittals. Clients praise his strategic thinking and courtroom effectiveness.
Ashleigh Antoine
Criminal Lawyer
Admitted in 2016, Ashleigh specializes in criminal defense and appellate work. She provides compassionate representation for cases ranging from traffic offenses to serious criminal charges. Clients highlight her clear communication, courtroom advocacy, and patient approach when working with vulnerable clients.
Elise Abou-Merhi
Criminal Lawyer
With extensive prosecutorial experience at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Elise joined Perrella Legal in 2023. Her background includes handling complex criminal cases and appearing in all jurisdictions, including as junior counsel in the High Court of Australia.
Fleur Robinson
Criminal Lawyer
Admitted in 2023, Fleur focuses on defending sex offenses and family violence matters. Her previous family law experience helps clients navigate intersecting legal issues. She emphasizes empathetic client support while maintaining aggressive defense strategies in court proceedings.
Questions
What areas of criminal law does Perrella Legal specialise in?
We specialise in all criminal law matters across Western Australia, including drug offenses, sexual offenses, homicide charges, assault cases, traffic violations, and youth offender matters in Children's Court.
Do you offer free initial consultations?
Yes, we provide free, no-obligation initial consultations for any person charged with a criminal offense, including detailed advice about court processes and potential outcomes.
Are your legal fees fixed or hourly based?
We use fixed-fee billing structures exclusively - we never charge hourly rates, ensuring cost certainty while maintaining high-quality legal representation throughout your case.
Can you represent clients outside Perth?
Yes, our lawyers represent clients in all courts throughout Western Australia, including regional areas, with daily appearances in metropolitan and regional courthouses.
What accreditation does Perrella Legal hold?
We hold the Quality Practice Standard (QPS) accreditation from the Law Society of Western Australia, demonstrating our commitment to documented internal processes that improve client satisfaction.
Are you available for urgent legal matters?
Yes, we offer 24/7 availability for urgent legal matters, including police interviews and bail applications, with after-hours contact through our main phone number.
