If you are facing criminal charges, you need a lawyer who is experienced, strategic, and committed to protecting your rights at every stage of the legal process. Cassendra Pinto is a dedicated criminal defence lawyer who combines strong courtroom advocacy with a compassionate, client-focused approach to achieve the best possible outcomes for her clients.

As a criminal defence lawyer with Criminal Defence Lawyers Australia (CDLA), Cassendra exclusively practises in criminal law and regularly represents clients facing a wide range of criminal allegations. She is known for her strong, calm and confident advocacy, meticulous preparation, and ability to guide clients through what is often one of the most difficult periods of their lives.

Prior to joining CDLA, Cassendra practised as a Criminal Lawyer with Tasmania Legal Aid, where she appeared daily in court representing clients in custody, often in urgent and high-pressure circumstances. Through this role, she developed extensive experience appearing in bail applications, sentencing proceedings, extradition matters, youth justice cases, and complex criminal matters involving serious allegations. She has indeed gained an impressive proven track record of achieving outstanding results over the years for her clients.

Cassendra appeared daily in the Magistrates Court in Tasmania, acting for clients in bail applications, and a wide range of criminal proceedings, family violence and restraint order applications, and sentencing matters. She also appeared in the Supreme Court of Tasmania for bail appeals and criminal matters whilst managing her own criminal law practice within Legal Aid providing representation to clients throughout all stages of criminal proceedings, from initial advice and negotiations through to matter resolution with outstanding results.

A key strength of Cassendra’s practice is her ability to quickly analyse complex evidence and identify strategic opportunities that can strengthen her clients’ cases. She has extensive experience reviewing large volumes of prosecution material, conducting detailed legal research, preparing persuasive submissions, and negotiating with prosecutors to achieve favourable outcomes wherever possible.

Through her work with Legal Aid, Cassendra gained significant experience representing vulnerable clients, including those experiencing mental health issues, substance dependency, family violence, and other complex personal circumstances. She adopts a trauma-informed and client-centred approach to legal representation, ensuring her clients feel supported, understood, and empowered throughout the legal process.

Cassendra has particular experience assisting clients involved in specialist and therapeutic jurisdictions, including Drug Treatment Order matters and Mental Health Diversion programs. Her understanding of these jurisdictions allows her to identify alternatives to traditional sentencing outcomes where appropriate and advocate strongly for outcomes that focus on rehabilitation and long-term positive change.

Before practising in criminal law, Cassendra worked in family violence and family law matters through Tasmania Legal Aid’s Safe at Home and Family Advocacy and Support Service programs. This experience provided her with valuable insight into the complex issues that often arise in domestic violence and Apprehended Violence Order proceedings, enhancing her ability to effectively represent clients facing such allegations.

Cassendra’s legal experience extends beyond advocacy. She previously worked as Associate to the President of the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT), where she conducted legal research, assisted in drafting decisions, and gained valuable insight into judicial decision-making and tribunal processes. She also worked within the Supreme Court of Tasmania as a transcription typist, developing an exceptional understanding of courtroom procedure, advocacy techniques, and the progression of criminal and civil proceedings.

These unique experiences provide Cassendra with a comprehensive understanding of how courts operate and how legal arguments are assessed by judicial officers, enabling her to approach every case with a strategic and well-rounded perspective.

Cassendra holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Tasmania, a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, and was admitted to the Supreme Court of Tasmania. She has also been admitted to practise in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. She was awarded the following scholarships reserved only for high-achieving students:

• Dean of Law’s Merit Scholarship for Bachelor of Arts/Laws (University of Tasmania)
• Dean of Law’s Merit Scholarship for Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (University of Tasmania)

Clients value Cassendra for her professionalism, empathy, responsiveness, and unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcome in every case. She understands that every client’s circumstances are different and works tirelessly to ensure each person receives the highest standard of legal representation.

Outside of legal practice, Cassendra enjoys maintaining an active lifestyle and travelling. Her experiences engaging with people from diverse backgrounds have strengthened her communication skills and ability to connect with clients from all walks of life.

Cassendra is an experienced criminal defence lawyer who can advise and represent clients in matters including:

• Extradition proceedings
• Bail applications and bail appeals
• District court jury and Judge alone trials involving serious indictable offences
• Adult and Child Sexual Assault Offences
• Child Abuse Material offences
• Complex Appeals
• Crime Commission proceedings and money laundering offences
• Assault offences and serious violence matters
• Domestic violence and Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) matters
• Drug possession and supply offences
• Youth and Children’s Court matters
• Mental health diversion applications
• Drug Court matters
• Fraud and dishonesty offences
• Traffic and driving offences
• Sentencing proceedings
• Defended hearings

If you or a loved one has been charged with a criminal or traffic offence, obtaining experienced legal advice early can make a significant difference to the outcome of your case.

Other than English as her first language, Cassendra can also understand and speak in Sinhala.

Contact our office today on (02) 8606 228 to arrange a free confidential consultation with our Cassendra Pinto and receive trusted legal representation from a lawyer who is committed to protecting your rights, your future, and your freedom.