Inner City Criminal Defence Practice
With 20+ years of combined experience in criminal law, Inner City Lawyers has appeared in every jurisdiction — the Local Court, District Court, Supreme Court, Criminal Court of Appeal and the High Court of Australia. We combine relentless trial experience, tactical courtroom strategy, and genuine human empathy to protect you from life-altering convictions.
Genuine Human Connection
Direct legal strategy with Michael Cruz, never junior paralegals.
Non-Judgemental Protection
We understand people make mistakes. We defend your life & record.
Top 10 Criminal Defence
Proven track record in Local, District & Supreme Court of NSW.
Facing police questioning, bail refusal, or an upcoming court hearing? Get direct senior lawyer advice now.
Always By Your Side • Dedicated Criminal Defence
You are never treated as another file on a conveyor belt. Our close-knit firm gives you direct, personal access to the senior legal mind fighting for your liberty.

Founder & Lead Advocate, Inner City Family and Criminal Lawyers
Michael Cruz established Inner City Lawyers with one foundational mission: to provide the sharpest criminal defence representation without sacrificing genuine human empathy. With 20+ years of combined experience in criminal law, our team has appeared in every jurisdiction — the Local Court, District Court, Supreme Court, Criminal Court of Appeal, and the High Court of Australia.
Michael has successfully represented hundreds of clients across all NSW court tiers. His meticulous forensic examination of police body-worn video, witness cross-examination, and persuasive sentencing advocacy consistently deliver charges dropped, bail secured, and Section 10 non-convictions.
Our firm provides complete legal support for all NSW criminal law proceedings. From immediate custody bail applications and charge negotiations with Police Prosecutors or the DPP, through to rigorous brief analysis, forensic cross-examinations, and sentencing submissions.
With 20+ years of combined criminal law experience, we have appeared in every jurisdiction — the Local Court, District Court, Supreme Court, Criminal Court of Appeal, and the High Court of Australia. Our solutions are always focused on what matters most: achieving the best possible outcome for your future.
We listen without judgment. Every client is an individual with a story that deserves to be articulated persuasively to the court.
You have direct contact with Principal Michael Cruz. Responsive communication whenever urgent updates occur.
No cookie-cutter legal advice. We analyse police body-cam footage, phone data, and forensic reports to expose weaknesses in the prosecution.
Clear agreed costs from day one. You know the exact legal investment needed to fight your charges with zero surprises.
Our emergency legal hotline is open 24 hours for police station interviews & bail hearings.
Criminal charges can have serious, life-altering consequences for your freedom, career, and travel. We defend every charge with thorough trial preparation.
Common assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm (AOABH), affray, and grievous bodily harm. Aggressive defence strategies based on self-defence and provocation.
Discuss Your ChargesEmergency police station representation and Local / Supreme Court bail applications under the Bail Act 2013. Securing your immediate freedom.
Discuss Your ChargesPossession, deemed supply, commercial trafficking, and importation. Strong challenges to illegal police searches, warrants, and chain of custody evidence.
Discuss Your ChargesLow, mid, and high-range drink driving, drug driving, drive while suspended, and license appeals. Protecting your driver licence and employment.
Discuss Your ChargesDefending apprehended domestic violence orders (ADVOs) and related breach charges. Sensitive, strategic handling to preserve your reputation and family contact.
Discuss Your ChargesIdentity fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion, and dishonesty offences. Detailed forensic analysis and early negotiation with the prosecution.
Discuss Your ChargesReal reviews from individuals and families whom Michael Cruz guided through the toughest moments of their lives.
“I want to thank Michael for the amazing work and effort that he has displayed… Michael has shown complete empathy and understanding of my delicate situations and has always been just a phone call away when I needed him.”
“I was impressed by Michael Cruz's expertise. He handled my case with absolute professionalism and achieved an outstanding result. When you're terrified for your family, having someone who genuinely listens is everything.”
“Michael Cruz is very thorough in his work and leaves no stone unturned. We have the utmost respect and trust in him and his firm. He broke down complex legal hurdles and won our appeal.”
“I have dealt with Mike Cruz on several occasions and he is a fantastic solicitor. My family and I trust him and his firm with all of our legal issues. True integrity.”
Straightforward answers to the immediate questions you have when dealing with police and the NSW criminal justice system.
Minutes from Downing Centre Court, Central Court, and the Supreme Court of NSW.
Level 1/299 Elizabeth Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Directly opposite Museum Station, 2 minutes walk from Downing Centre Local and District Courts.
Ultimo NSW 2007, Australia
Quiet, confidential consultation rooms with easy client parking and close proximity to Broadway.