Available 24/7 for urgent matters & bail applications
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Criminal & Traffic Defence Lawyers Sydney | Harvard Defence Lawyers
Sydney Criminal Defence

Charged? Get a strategic defence before you step into court.

Speak directly with a solicitor advocate about criminal charges, traffic offences, licence appeals and bail — clear advice, relentless advocacy, and representation in every NSW court.

  • Free initial consultation
  • 10+ years defending serious matters
  • Local, District & Supreme Courts
  • Bail & urgent advice 24/7
Trusted by clients across Sydney & NSW
Mr Aqib Javed Cheema, Principal and Solicitor Advocate
Aqib Javed CheemaPrincipal & Solicitor Advocate
Criminal & Traffic Focus Criminal & Traffic Focus
Jury Trial Experience Jury Trial Experience
All NSW Courts All NSW Courts
Fast Response Fast Response
Multilingual Team Multilingual Team
Mr Aqib Javed Cheema, Principal and Solicitor Advocate at Harvard Defence Lawyers
Meet Your Advocate

Mr Aqib Javed Cheema

Principal & Solicitor Advocate

Mr Cheema is an experienced criminal defence lawyer with more than ten years representing clients charged with criminal and traffic offences across Australia. His practice focuses exclusively on criminal law, bail applications, serious charges and traffic matters — giving clients a strategic advantage over general-practice firms.

Known for fearless courtroom advocacy, he has successfully defended numerous jury trials involving serious allegations, and has significant experience securing bail in complex, high-risk matters. He is also patron of the Pakistani Youth Association of Australia and is actively involved in community and pro bono work.

10+Years in criminal practice
4Court levels — Local to CCA
5States & territories served
5+Languages spoken in-house
Appears in & handles:
Local CourtDistrict CourtSupreme Court Court of Criminal AppealBail applicationsDrug supply Firearm offencesSerious indictableSection 14 applications
UrduPunjabiSindhiHindiKashmiri Arabic & Turkish (support staff)
Our Approach

How we guide you from first call to final outcome

A clear, staged process so you always know what happens next, what to bring, and how each court date moves your matter forward.

Step 01

Urgent Advice

We confirm your court date, bail status and any conditions, explain your right to silence, and start a clear timeline so nothing is missed.

Step 02

Free Case Review

We request early disclosure, preserve key evidence, gather character material and diarise every deadline that matters to your case.

Step 03

Brief Analysis

We dissect the brief of evidence, test each legal element and its admissibility, and identify real leverage for negotiation.

Step 04

Defence Strategy

We build a tailored plan — targeted representations for withdrawal or reduction, agreed facts, and persuasive material.

Step 05

Court Representation

Your matter is run with subpoenas issued, witnesses prepared, references finalised and the court bundle ready for hearing.

Step 06

Outcome Secured

We explain the orders, any conditions and appeal windows, and follow up so you understand exactly where you stand.

Client Results

Outcomes that changed our clients' lives

Real feedback from people we've represented across Sydney's courts. Every matter is different, and past results are not a guarantee of future outcomes.

“I was facing six months off the road after being caught 45 over the limit. Two other lawyers told me it was impossible. Mr Cheema took the case with confidence, kept me updated throughout, and got the result reduced significantly. I recommend him to everyone.”

Mick F.Traffic — licence result

“Mr Cheema appeared for me at Parramatta District Court on an affray charge before an ex-Crown judge. I was told my chances were slim, but I walked out with a section 10 non-conviction on a very serious matter. He went toe to toe with the court better than some barristers I've seen.”

Danyal K.Affray — s.10 non-conviction

“He had my immediate six-month licence appeal upheld. The magistrate said that in 25 years she had only ever upheld a handful of police-initiated appeals. The prosecutor strongly opposed it, but Mr Cheema meticulously established exceptional circumstances and persuaded the court.”

JackImmediate licence appeal — upheld

“Represented me at Burwood Court for a serious drink driving offence. On sentence the prosecutor said the community demanded a conviction, but Mr Cheema persuaded the magistrate using High Court authority and I walked out with the conviction removed. Advocacy at its finest.”

SmithDrink driving — conviction removed

“My wife changed lawyers four times, with everyone telling her to plead guilty to a commercial-quantity charge. Nine months on, Mr Cheema appeared at Bankstown Court, the evidence was ruled inadmissible, and she was acquitted of all charges. We couldn't be more grateful.”

RanaCommercial quantity — acquitted

“I had serious violence charges at Blacktown Local Court where every lawyer said plead guilty, and I'd spent time in custody. Mr Cheema tore the police case apart and had all the charges withdrawn at the hearing. Hands down the best criminal lawyer I've dealt with.”

JohnViolence charges — withdrawn
Why Harvard Defence

Choosing the right lawyer changes the outcome

Our firm is built on strategic defence, meticulous preparation and relentless advocacy — no matter how serious or minor the charge.

Exclusive Criminal Focus

Exclusive Criminal Focus

We concentrate on criminal and traffic matters, so you get specialised representation — not general practice.

Experience Across All Courts

Experience Across All Courts

Local, District and Supreme Courts and the Court of Criminal Appeal — across NSW, ACT, QLD, VIC and TAS.

Proven Trial Record

Proven Trial Record

Successfully defended numerous jury trials involving serious offences, handling complexity at every stage.

Available 24/7

Available 24/7

Urgent advice and bail applications when it matters most — call any time, day or night.

Multilingual Representation

Multilingual Representation

Communicating in Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi, Hindi and Kashmiri, with Arabic and Turkish support staff.

Client-Focused Approach

Client-Focused Approach

Every client deserves strong representation and clear communication — you're kept informed at every step.

Common Questions

Frequently asked questions

When should I contact a lawyer after being charged?
Immediately — as soon as you're charged, or if you believe you're under investigation. Early legal advice is often the single most important factor in protecting your position and your defence.
Can you help with traffic and driving offences?
Yes. We regularly act in drink driving, dangerous driving, suspension and demerit matters, and can advise on the realistic options available for your situation.
What is an RMS / licence appeal?
It's a court process where you challenge a licence suspension or a decision by Transport for NSW. We prepare and argue exceptional-circumstances appeals, including urgent police-initiated suspensions.
Do you offer a free initial consultation?
Yes. Your first consultation is free. We'll discuss your matter, review your options and give you clear preliminary guidance so you know where you stand.
Will my case go to court?
It depends on the charge and the evidence. Some matters can be negotiated or resolved early; others proceed to hearing. We'll guide you through every step and represent you if a court appearance is needed.
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer?
Fees depend on the charge and its complexity. We discuss costs transparently at your initial consultation so you have a clear picture before you decide.
What should I bring to my consultation?
Bring any court notices, police fact sheets, charge documents and anything else related to your matter. The more we can review, the better our advice will be.
Can you help if my licence is already suspended?
Yes. We regularly help clients challenge and manage licence suspensions, including urgent appeals where time limits are tight.
Where To Find Us

Visit our Merrylands office

Based in Merrylands and servicing clients across Sydney and greater NSW. Can't make it in? We'll arrange a phone or video consultation.

Merrylands

Suite 6, 235 Pitt Street,
Merrylands NSW 2160
Get directions
Request A Free Consultation

Facing a charge? Let's talk today.

Tell us briefly what's happening and we'll review your matter and get back to you with clear, practical legal guidance. For urgent matters, call us directly — we're available 24/7.