On Call 24 Hours · 365 Days a Year

Cape Town's
Criminal Defence
Lawyers

Bellville • Cape Town • Peninsula & Surrounding Areas

André Kirsten brings 28 years of combined criminal litigation experience — as a former NPA Prosecutor (1998–2005) and Criminal Defence Attorney — fighting exclusively for you.

Exclusively Criminal Law After-Hours Bail Applications Former NPA Prosecutor 28 Years Combined Experience
Why Clients Choose André Kirsten
28+
Years Combined Experience

As prosecutor (NPA) and criminal defence attorney since 1998

2×
Sides of the Courtroom

Former NPA Prosecutor turned defence attorney — knows both strategies

24/7
Emergency Availability

On call 365 days a year — including after-hours bail at police stations

All
Cape Town Courts Served

District, regional, and High Court — representing clients across the Cape

Arrested or under investigation?   Call now — we answer any hour.

Practice Areas

Comprehensive Criminal Defence Services

28 years of combined experience across the full spectrum of criminal law — from first arrest to final appeal. Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year across the entire Cape Town area.

Bail Applications

After-hours bail applications at police stations 24/7, and formal bail applications in court.

Key Speciality

DUI / Drunk Driving

Specialist defence for DUI and drunk driving charges — one of the firm's primary areas of expertise.

Criminal Trials

Full trial representation in district and regional courts — from plea to verdict.

Appeals

Appeals against convictions or sentences in the High Court, including applications for leave to appeal.

Investigation Defence

Rights protection during police investigations — interrogations, ID parades, and evidence-gathering processes.

Fraud

Defence in fraud and financial crime matters across all court levels.

Drug Offences

Defence in drug-related charges including possession, dealing, and manufacturing offences.

Expungement

Clearing criminal records to restore opportunities in employment, travel, and professional licensing.

Domestic Violence

Vigorous defence and rights protection in domestic violence and protection order matters.

Sex Crimes

Confidential, experienced defence representation in sexual offence matters.

Assault & Robbery

Strong defence in assault, common assault, robbery, and aggravated robbery cases.

Corruption

Defence in bribery, corruption, and related offences under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act.

Illegal Firearms

Representation in matters involving unlicensed firearms, illegal possession, and related offences.

Traffic Offences

Defence in serious traffic offences including reckless and negligent driving charges.

Defence Investigations

Independent crime scene investigations, witness interviews, and re-evaluation of DNA, chemical, and blood-alcohol evidence.

24 / 7

Always Available

On call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Arrests don't keep office hours — neither do we.

Available Right Now

Facing criminal charges?
Get immediate help.

André Kirsten is on call around the clock. Whether you've just been arrested or received a court summons, contact the firm immediately for experienced criminal defence representation.

About the Firm
André KirstenAttorney
28
Years combined criminal
litigation experience
Prosecution & Defence

André KirstenCriminal Defence Attorney

André Kirsten Attorneys is a criminal defence firm that works exclusively in Criminal Law, operating from Bellville, Cape Town. With an unmatched dual background on both sides of the courtroom, André brings a unique strategic depth to every matter he takes on — understanding how prosecution cases are built, and exactly how to dismantle them.

1998 – 2005
National Prosecuting Authority
Senior Prosecutor — built the case, learned every tactic
2005 – Present
Criminal Defence Attorney
Legal Aid SA (2005–2016), then private practice

This rare combination — seven years prosecuting, followed by over sixteen years defending — gives André an inside understanding of how the State operates that most defence attorneys simply do not have. He has handled numerous high-profile matters covered by the news media, and has conducted investigations for both prosecution and defence teams throughout his career.

Areas of Criminal Defence Experience
DUI & Drunk Driving
Drug Offences
Assault & GBH
Murder & Armed Robbery
Rape & Sexual Offences
Illegal Firearms
Fraud & Financial Crime
Abalone & Fisheries Act
Tax Charges
Bank Act & FIA Offences
25 Nelson St, Oak Glenn,
Bellville, Cape Town 7530
Get a Consultation
What Happens Next

From Arrest to Outcome — We Handle Every Step

Facing a criminal matter is overwhelming. Here is exactly what happens when you contact André Kirsten Attorneys — day or night.

Step 01

Contact Us Immediately — 24/7

Call or WhatsApp André Kirsten at any hour. The firm is on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The earlier you contact us after an arrest or investigation, the more we can do to protect your rights.

01
Virtual consultations also available
Step 02

Free Initial Consultation

We listen to your matter without judgement. You receive a frank, confidential assessment of your situation and a clear explanation of the process ahead — in plain language, not legal jargon.

02
Step 03

We Assess Your Matter & Advise on Your Rights

With 28 years of combined experience as both prosecutor and defence attorney, André evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the matter and immediately advises you on your constitutional rights — before any statement is made to police.

03
Step 04

Bail Application if Required

Where detention is a risk, we act without delay. We handle after-hours bail applications at police stations around the clock, as well as formal bail applications in the Magistrate's Court — ensuring you are not held in custody a moment longer than necessary.

04
Step 05

Investigation & Case Preparation

We build your defence from the ground up: photographing crime scenes, interviewing witnesses, challenging DNA, blood-alcohol, and chemical test evidence, and attending all court appearances during the police investigation process — including interrogations and identification parades.

05
We also assist with recovering seized property from SAPS where legally appropriate.
Step 06

Vigorous Courtroom Representation

André personally conducts all aspects of your criminal trial in District and Regional Courts. With a background as both NPA prosecutor and defence attorney, he understands precisely how the State builds its case — and exactly how to dismantle it.

06
Step 07

Appeals Where Required

An unfavourable outcome is not the end. We handle the full criminal appeal process — from applications for leave to appeal, through to prosecuting appeals against convictions or sentences in the High Court.

07
Available Right Now

Don't Wait. Every Minute Counts.

If you or someone you care about has been arrested or is under investigation in Cape Town, contact André Kirsten Attorneys immediately. 24 hours a day. 365 days a year.

Why Clients Choose Us

Experience ThatChanges Outcomes

Criminal law is not a general practice area for us — it is the only thing we do, and we do it with 28 years of hard-won expertise on both sides of the courtroom.

He Knows How the State Thinks

André Kirsten served as a prosecutor for the NPA from 1998 to 2005. He built cases against accused persons for years — which means he knows exactly how the prosecution will try to build one against you, and where their case can be challenged.

28 Years. Criminal Law Only.

This firm does not practise family law on Monday and criminal law on Tuesday. Criminal defence is our sole discipline — 28 years of combined litigation experience concentrated entirely on the area of law that matters most to you right now.

Available 24 Hours. Every Day.

Arrests do not happen at convenient hours. The firm is on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year — including after-hours bail applications at police stations. When you need an attorney at 2am, we answer.

Your Case Stays With André

You will not be handed off to a junior associate or a paralegal. Personalised attention and guidance is a core part of what we deliver — your matter is handled directly by André Kirsten, making you feel supported when it genuinely matters.

Consultations Without Travel

Virtual consultations are available for clients who cannot get to our Bellville offices. Discuss your matter securely and confidentially from wherever you are — no travel required for the initial consultation.

All Cape Town Courts

Based in Bellville, the firm serves the entire Cape Town metropolitan area — appearing in district courts, regional courts, and the Western Cape High Court on behalf of clients across the peninsula and surrounding areas.

"Personalised attention and guidance is but one more aspect we bring to the table, making you feel comfortable and supported in a time when it really matters."
André Kirsten— Principal Attorney, Bellville Cape Town
28+
Years of Criminal
Litigation Experience
24/7
Emergency
Availability
100%
Criminal Law
Exclusively
2×
Sides of the
Courtroom
Know Your Rights

Frequently Asked Questions

Criminal charges raise urgent, frightening questions. Here are honest, direct answers from 28 years of criminal litigation experience.

Don't see your question? We're available around the clock.

Ask Us Directly

Get In Touch

Speak To A Criminal Defence Attorney Today

Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Your first consultation is confidential. Don't wait — contact us now.

Send Us A Message

Fill in the form below and we will respond as soon as possible — even after hours.

Your information is strictly confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege. We will never share your details.

Available Right Now

Arrested or in police custody?

Call immediately — bail applications are handled 24/7, including weekends and public holidays.

Office Information

Physical Address

25 Nelson Street, Oak Glen
Bellville, Cape Town, 7530

Postal Address

P.O. Box 4050, Old Oak
Cape Town, 7537

Office Hours

Monday – Friday08:00 – 17:00
Phone / Emergencies All Hours
25 Nelson Street, Oak Glen, Cape Town
Our Location

Find Our Office

Conveniently located in Bellville, Cape Town. Walk-ins welcome during office hours — available 24/7 for urgent matters.

Office Address

25 Nelson Street

Oak Glen, Bellville

Cape Town, 7530

Available 24 / 7 · 365 days

André Kirsten Criminal Lawyers Cape Town

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