If you have been charged with a criminal or traffic offence and need to go to court, getting competent criminal law advice at an early stage can make a big difference on the outcome. We handle all areas of criminal and traffic law, including:

• Traffic and vehicle offences – exceed the prescribed content of alcohol (drink driving), drive while disqualified or suspended, drive without a licence
• Acts intended to cause injury – including common assault, serious assault resulting in injury, stalking, serious assault not resulting in injury
• Justice procedure offences – breach of violence order, resist or hinder police, breach of bond, suspended sentence, or community service order
• Theft – including theft from retail premises, receiving or handling the proceeds of crime, theft of intellectual property
• Illicit drug offences – possession, cultivation or dealing in illicit drugs
• Public Order offences – disorderly conduct, criminal intent, riot and affray, liquor and tobacco offences, offensive language or behaviour, cruelty to animals
• Fraud offences – obtaining benefit by deception, forgery of documents, dishonest conversion
• Property damage – graffiti, fire and explosion
• Dangerous or negligent acts endangering persons – driving under the influence of alcohol or other substance (DUI), Dangerous or negligent driving
• Prohibited weapons – misuse, unlawfully obtain or possess a prohibited weapon or explosive
• Threatening behaviour
• Sexual assault – aggravated sexual assault, child pornography
• Robbery, blackmail, extortion
• Homicide – murder, attempted murder, manslaughter

Criminal Law

If you are facing criminal charges in New South Wales, your matter will start in the Local Court. After a plea is entered, more serious offences may be dealt with by the District or Supreme Courts, on ‘indictment’. The procedures that apply are different in the Local Court and the Supreme and District Courts. Getting competent advice on how to manage the process is important regardless of how serious the charges are.

We can assist you to manage the process and explain all the options and likely outcomes, from the laying of charges, case conferencing and early guilty pleas.

Bail Applications

If you have been charged with an offence, there is a delay between the charges being laid and your matter proceeding in court. If the charges are serious, the police may oppose a grant of bail in the lead up to the hearing and you may be kept in custody during that period. Alternatively, bail may be granted on a conditional basis, meaning you must comply with certain conditions such as reporting to the local Police Station on a regular basis.

Our lawyers have experience in seeking bail variations in the Local and Supreme Courts. If you find yourself with conditions that you are unable to comply with, speak with one of our lawyers today.

Children’s Court

In New South Wales, the Children’s Court deals with criminal matters where an offender was a minor at the time of committing an offence.

A key difference to proceedings dealt with in the Children’s Court is that the desirability of an offender taking responsibility for their actions is balanced against other principles, such as the desirability that children maintain family and community ties. Proceedings are also less formal than other jurisdictions and are held in closed court.

We provide representation and assistance in the Children’s Court of New South Wales for criminal matters and matters relating to the care and protection of children and young people.

Our advice is practical and tailored to children, young people, parents, and guardians so they can all understand what is required and what is likely to happen at Court.

Traffic Offences

While most traffic offences are dealt with by way of demerit points and fines, some offences are deemed serious enough to be dealt with by the Local Court. In addition, if you don’t agree that you have committed a traffic offence, your matter will likely end up in the Local Court.

Once in the Local Court’s jurisdiction, many offences are still only dealt with by way of the imposition of a fine. However, more serious traffic offences, such as certain speeding offences, driving under the influence, or negligent driving, can result in a conviction and the imposition of other penalties. If you are unsure of the process or whether you should plead guilty, getting advice early is a good move to ensure you maximise any sentencing discounts available.

Sentencing

In New South Wales, a court determines the appropriate sentence according to the principles of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act. The sentence will be determined on the basis not only of the type of offence, but also which court the matter is heard in, as well as subjective material unique to the offender.

If you have been charged with a criminal or traffic offence you do not have to face it alone. Our lawyers are experienced in defending criminal charges and preparing and making submissions on sentence for all types of offences. We will advise you of your rights, get you ready for court, and explain the processes so that you understand what is happening. We will advocate strongly on your behalf to ensure the best possible outcome in the circumstances.

If you need assistance, contact us at [email protected] or call 02 6964 9343 for expert legal advice.