Sitara Grey

Sitara Grey is a dedicated criminal defence lawyer, practicing exclusively in criminal defence since her admission in 2020, prior to this she completed her practical legal training at Equus Chambers under criminal defence barrister Paul Bevilacqua. Sitara understands that being charged with an offence is daunting and unknown territory for most people, which has shaped her client-focused approach:

“My role is to listen to and understand your perspective, ensuring you feel heard and represented. I will represent your instructions and advocate for your position, making sure that your side of the story is presented, while ensuring you understand the process”

Sitara has experience in the Magistrates and District Court, Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and the High Court of Australia, handling trials, sentencing, legal arguments and applications, bail applications, appeals, and inquiries.

From early in her career, Sitara has gained specific experience preparing and appearing in Jury Trials as instructor and junior counsel. Frequently instructing senior barristers, including Senior/King’s Counsel, she has gained invaluable insight into complicated indictable matters.

She has particular interests in:

• Defences: Honest claim of right, unwilled act, insanity, intoxication, mistake of fact.
• Serious Drug Offences: Trafficking, importing, cultivation, sell/supply.
• White Collar Crime: Fraud, property laundering, government corruption, conspiracy offences.
• Commonwealth Offences: Drug importation, human trafficking, debt bondage, charges originating outside WA (i.e., Christmas and Cocos Islands).
• Homicide Offences: Murder, manslaughter.

Sitara is particularly skilled in reviewing and understanding forensic data, such as phone and electronic device data downloads, evidence containing computer code, and internet-based data (such as bitcoin wallets and forums). She ensures that all evidence is properly disclosed and thoroughly explored.

In addition to the above, she has experience in the following areas of criminal law:

• Dishonesty Offences: Abuse of office, false statements on oath, obstructing public officers, forgery, utterance.
• Offences Against Individuals: Threats, stalking, deprivation of liberty, parental duties.
• Violence: Grievous bodily harm, wounding, strangulation, assaults.
• Property Offending: Armed robbery, burglary, stealing.
• Criminal Damage Offences
• Firearms and Weapon-Related Offences
• Criminal Appeals: Convictions and sentences.

One of the highlights in Sitara’s career was securing the only acquittal in Australia’s largest drug importation in 2022.

In 2023 and 2024 Sitara was recognised as a rising star in WA criminal law by Doyle’s Guide, and in 2024 she was recognised as a 30 under 30 finalist in Australia’s criminal law category by Lawyers Weekly.

Qualifications:

• Admitted: High Court of Australia | October 2023
• Admitted: Supreme Court of Western Australia | December 2020
• Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Legal Studies and Research (Murdoch University)
• Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice and Certificate of Legal Business Skills (College of Law)
• Practical Legal Training (Equus Chambers)