24/7 Criminal Response
20+ Years Combined Criminal Law Experience 5.0 Star Client Rating Every NSW Court Jurisdiction

Inner City Criminal Defence Practice

When Your Freedom, Reputation & Future Are On The Line: We Don’t Just Represent. We Relate & We Win.

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.

20+ Years Combined ExperienceDecades of dedicated criminal law practice across every NSW court tier.
Guaranteed ConfidentialityFull legal professional privilege from your very first conversation.
Transparent Fixed FeesClear agreed pricing upfront. Zero hidden court costs or billing shocks.
Urgent 24/7 Police Custody BailRapid attendance at police stations & Local Court emergency mentions.

Watch 3-Min Video: Psychological Assurance From Michael Cruz

Duration: 3m 00s
A Personal Message From Michael Cruz
3-Minute Psychological Assurance & Solution Guide
Watch Before You Talk To Police

“You’re Not Just A Case File Number. Here Is How We Protect Your Future & Freedom.”

0:00 / 3:00
Real Legal Practitioner

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.

Urgent Legal Defence Response
100% Confidential

Request Immediate Legal Advice

Facing police questioning, bail refusal, or an upcoming court hearing? Get direct senior lawyer advice now.

No Obligation Solicitor-Client Privilege Fast Response

Always By Your Side • Dedicated Criminal Defence

Real Lawyers. Real Compassion. Proven Courtroom Power.

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.

Michael Cruz - Principal Criminal Lawyer Sydney
Principal Criminal Solicitor

Michael Cruz

Founder & Lead Advocate, Inner City Family and Criminal Lawyers

Senior Criminal Advocate & Trial Counsel

“I Know The Fear You Feel Right Now. We Are Going To Solve This Together.”

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.

20+Years Combined Experience
5.0 ★Client Rated Advocate
AllCourts — Local to High Court

Dedicated Criminal Defence Practice

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.

Why Inner City Family and Criminal Lawyers

Listen, Understand, & Respond

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.

Local Court District Court Supreme Court Criminal Court of Appeal High Court of Australia
01

Client-First Approach

We listen without judgment. Every client is an individual with a story that deserves to be articulated persuasively to the court.

02

Direct Senior Lawyer Access

You have direct contact with Principal Michael Cruz. Responsive communication whenever urgent updates occur.

03

Tailored Defence Strategy

No cookie-cutter legal advice. We analyse police body-cam footage, phone data, and forensic reports to expose weaknesses in the prosecution.

04

Transparent, Fixed Fees

Clear agreed costs from day one. You know the exact legal investment needed to fight your charges with zero surprises.

Urgent Bail or Court Appearance?

Don’t risk your freedom. Speak to Michael Cruz today.

Our emergency legal hotline is open 24 hours for police station interviews & bail hearings.

Results & Support You Deserve

Criminal Law Offences We Defend Across NSW

Criminal charges can have serious, life-altering consequences for your freedom, career, and travel. We defend every charge with thorough trial preparation.

Assault & Violent Offences

Common assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm (AOABH), affray, and grievous bodily harm. Aggressive defence strategies based on self-defence and provocation.

Discuss Your Charges

Urgent Bail Applications

Emergency police station representation and Local / Supreme Court bail applications under the Bail Act 2013. Securing your immediate freedom.

Discuss Your Charges

Drug Offences & Supply

Possession, deemed supply, commercial trafficking, and importation. Strong challenges to illegal police searches, warrants, and chain of custody evidence.

Discuss Your Charges

Drink Driving & PCA / License

Low, mid, and high-range drink driving, drug driving, drive while suspended, and license appeals. Protecting your driver licence and employment.

Discuss Your Charges

Domestic Violence & AVOs

Defending apprehended domestic violence orders (ADVOs) and related breach charges. Sensitive, strategic handling to preserve your reputation and family contact.

Discuss Your Charges

Fraud & Corporate White-Collar

Identity fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion, and dishonesty offences. Detailed forensic analysis and early negotiation with the prosecution.

Discuss Your Charges
Client Testimonials & Outcomes

What Our Clients Say About Working With Us

Real 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.

StevenCriminal Defence Client (Sydney)
Charges Dismissed (Section 10)

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.

TianDowning Centre Local Court Client
No Conviction Recorded

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.

BlakeDistrict Court Appeal
Successful Appeal / Bail Granted

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.

JamieBusiness Owner & Client
Complex Financial Defence
Got Questions? Clear Answers.

Frequently Asked Criminal Defence Questions

Straightforward answers to the immediate questions you have when dealing with police and the NSW criminal justice system.

No. You have the fundamental right to remain silent under Australian law (NSW). Frequently, police state they 'just want to hear your side' to elicit admissions or inconsistencies that form the basis of formal charges. Always politely decline to answer questions or provide an interview until you have consulted Michael Cruz or an experienced criminal defence lawyer.
Sydney Offices

Visit Our Offices in Two Convenient Locations

Minutes from Downing Centre Court, Central Court, and the Supreme Court of NSW.

Sydney CBD Office

Level 1/299 Elizabeth Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Directly opposite Museum Station, 2 minutes walk from Downing Centre Local and District Courts.

Ultimo Office

Ultimo NSW 2007, Australia

Quiet, confidential consultation rooms with easy client parking and close proximity to Broadway.