CODA Criminal Law

About us image

Guiding you through the legal process with clarity, compassion and commitment.

At CODA, we put clarity, compassion and commitment at the centre of what we do. We will clarify the legal process, treat you with compassion, and demonstrate our unwavering commitment every step of the way. Whether you prefer detailed guidance or a more hands-off approach, we ensure you’re fully informed and confident in every decision.

We provide expert representation across all areas of criminal law, from traffic and driving matters, to serious criminal charges, such as sexual assault and murder, as well as domestic and family violence cases, and complex financial offences. Our team will ease your stress and tackle your case without judgment – which is what you need during one of the toughest, most uncertain periods of your life.

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Lawyers that work for you

When facing criminal charges, you need experienced legal representation that combines strategic thinking with dedication. Our team brings decades of courtroom experience and a sophisticated understanding of criminal law to every case. We’ll match you with the lawyer that best suits your needs, protecting your rights and interests at every stage.

Satomi Hamon image

Satomi Hamon

Partner
Charlene Chalker-Harris image

Charlene Chalker-Harris

Partner
Peter Woodhouse image

Peter Woodhouse

Partner
Carley Hitchins image

Carley Hitchins

Senior Associate
Satomi Hamon image

Satomi Hamon

Partner

Bachelor of Laws (Honours) – University of Canberra
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice – College of Law

Member – ACT Criminal Law Committee
Mentor – ANU Women in Law Mentorship Program

Publications:

“Often cases are like a puzzle. I could spend hours searching for new or missing pieces of information. When I find something, it can completely change a case.”

Satomi is passionate about giving her clients a high level of service, clear expectations, and a detailed defence. Her clients and colleagues describe her as easy to talk to and fierce in the courtroom.

“I get a lot of feedback from clients that they feel comfortable chatting about their issues with me when we meet one on one and impressed by my method in the courtroom.”

She says her favourite part of the job is when she can see a client’s stress and pressure melt away as she builds a plan for their defence.

“Facing criminal charges can be extremely stressful, and often you can’t fully relax until you know the outcome. However, after a first visit I often find people look and feel considerably less anxious, and that their matter is under control.”

Working across a range of criminal cases, she has a lot of experience defending clients in confiscation of criminal assets cases and accused of ‘white collar crimes’ such as investment or tax fraud, embezzlement, laundering, bribery, and cybercrime. She also has a wide range of experience with sexual assault and drug matters, as well as family and personal violence matters (FVOs and PPOs).

Her methodical, detailed approach to her work means she is always happy to answer questions and walk clients through the courtroom experience, ensuring they know what to expect.

She also doesn’t shy away from frank and fearless advice.

“We work hard to make sure our clients understand the process and have the best chance at a fair trial and the best outcome for them.”

“We’ll give it to them straight so there is no confusion, and so they understand the consequence of each decision they make.”

Satomi is proud of how accessible she is to her clients, and often finds herself answering calls and emails on her evening walk with her two golden retrievers.

“People in these situations are stressed, and its important that even if I can’t get them an answer straight away, I’m still keeping them up to date.”

Charlene Chalker-Harris image

Charlene Chalker-Harris

Partner

Bachelor of Laws with Honours – Australian National University
Bachelor of Science – Australian National University
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice – Australian National University

Member – ACT Criminal Law Committee
Member – National Criminal Law Committee

“It’s important that clients can share their story without judgement. The better your lawyer understands you, the better your defence.”

Charlene is well known for her grit, determination, and a genuine commitment to her clients.

Looking beyond files and court dates, Charlene gets to know her clients by listening without judgement. She is passionate about understanding their journey and their story so she can figure out the best way to approach their case.

This genuine and thorough approach means she is better able to represent her clients and provide their best defence, and often forges positive relationships with clients’ family and partners as a result.

When you engage Charlene as your defence lawyer, you are engaging someone who is synonymous with high performance. Charlene is a world champion in Taekwon-Do who founded and ran one of Australia’s most successful Taekwon-Do schools for nearly a decade. She also danced semi-professionally and has completed Grade 8 AMEB in both flute and piano. Charlene is a well-rounded, high performer whose resume speaks for itself.

“I am often grateful for the discipline and focus I have learned from these endeavours. Martial arts in particular has taught me that the fight is won through preparation, strategy, and outmanoeuvring your opponent. For my clients, this means I leave no stone unturned in terms of preparation and performance.”

Charlene’s commitment has driven her success in her legal career. Working exclusively in criminal law for more than a decade, Charlene has successfully defended clients facing charges across domestic abuse, physical and sexual assaults, sexual offences, child pornography, and serious drug offences. She has represented numerous high profile clients, including in the High Court of Australia, and is one of only two ACT representatives on the Law Council of Australia’s National Criminal Law Committee.

Charlene has a keen eye for detail and also has qualifications in genetics and microbiology; a background practising general and family law at leading Australian firms; well-established networks across the legal sector; and a reputation for being respectful and respected across the Magistrates Court, Local Court, and Supreme Courts in ACT and NSW.

“This gives me a unique advantage as it means I can often see opportunities where others can’t, or can recognise gaps in the prosecution’s case more quickly.”

Charlene says that properly explaining the legal process and what to expect at every step is something many of her clients appreciate.

“It takes a bit of the stress and uncertainty out of what is otherwise a very stressful experience, and means they can focus on giving their best defence.”

“Clients often need realistic, transparent advice that is tailored to them and their individual case, but very few lawyers provide this. My personal code is to do what is best for my clients, even if it’s hard.”

Charlene grew up in Adelaide before moving to Canberra at the age of 8 and has lived here ever since, becoming a mum of two girls.

Peter Woodhouse image

Peter Woodhouse

Partner

Bachelor of Laws – Australian National University

Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice – Australian National University

“A lot of cases get lost in the crowd with lawyers who cut and paste their approach. At CODA, we tailor our approach and give you the best possible outcome.”

Peter Woodhouse is one of Canberra’s most experienced and well-respected criminal lawyers.

Starting his career in criminal law in 2007, he has practiced in the ACT and regional NSW for almost two decades and understands the system inside and out.

Over this time he has built strong relationships with the legal community, and a network of experts who he draws from to craft a solid defence.

“Not many lawyers will take the time to explore cases in-depth to find opportunities for expert input. Often it is these details that make all the difference.”

Peter has wide ranging experience across physical and sexual assault, fraud related charges, serious drug offences, theft and burglary, driving offences, and many other areas of criminal law.

He is also experienced in managing occupational disciplinary proceedings (where defendants may also be dealing with professional tribunals or action) and cases brought by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) or Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC).

“These types of cases are complex and having someone that can represent you in those proceedings, and then support you through any related professional or occupational matters, means you are set up for a better outcome.”

He says he is glad to take some of the pressure off his clients at a time when they are facing a lot of stress.

“We’ve worked with people accused of murder, robbery, rape, sexual assault, dishonesty, and damage to property. Each story is different and it’s never straight forward, and we embrace that and we tailor our services accordingly.”

He says the team will be in your corner from the start. The earlier you reach out, the better your chances.

“It’s important to get legal advice as early as possible, especially before agreeing to a police interview. We can help you understand your rights and prepare you for what to expect.”

Carley Hitchins image

Carley Hitchins

Partner

Bachelor of Laws – University of Canberra
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice – College of Law

“We’re all human, and it’s important that comes first when I’m working with a client. Often their humanity ends up being their best defence too.”

Carley is not your typical lawyer – a positive force, natural connector, and imposing in the courtroom, she has a unique balance of skills.

Carley has experience in all criminal matters, including physical and sexual assault matters, serious drug matters, murder and child exploitation material.

Carley’s energy is infectious, and her straight-shooting style sets her clients at ease from the start. She is keen to make her clients feel comfortable and welcome.

“I genuinely love the work I do and get excited to learn more about a new client and what has led them to where they are. It’s also nice to be able to support them during a very serious time in their life by making the process a little less daunting.”

She’s also always ready to hustle, connecting experts, exploring possible avenues for defence, and focused on getting things done efficiently and effectively.

“Rather than following templates or formulas, I really get to know my clients, so I’m often able to understand them better and find their best defence.”

Carley has a particular passion for rehabilitation and reform of the prison system. She has an innate sense of justice and says she can’t see herself doing anything else.

A fitness fanatic with experience as a performer and dancer, she says even outside work she is structured so she can perform her best.

“I am quite disciplined in all aspects of my life, and often find myself drawing on this when I’m building a defence or representing someone in court. I don’t take myself too seriously either, and I think this combination is what makes me so effective.”