Criminal Offences

Domestic Violence & AVO Lawyers

Simply speaking, domestic violence offences result in criminal charges while Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) are a legally protective order granted to a victim by the Court against the person who is charged with a domestic violence offence. This order prohibits certain behavioural characteristics of the offender such as stalking, harassment, intimidation with an intent to harm or abuse that may cause the complainant to be fearful.

With 29 years experience in solving legal issues, Benjamin & Leonardo has established itself as a leading criminal & AVO lawyer in Sydney. With daily appearances in criminal courts, we bring our clients clear, honest and reliable advice to help with their criminal defence matters.

Call us on (02) 9283 3033 for a first legal consultation today!

Domestic Violence Lawyers

According to the Family Law Act, 1975 stated in the Federal Register of Legislation Australia, a domestic violence offence is committed when a person threatens, acts violent, or indulges in any behaviour of similar nature against a member of the person’s family and thereby causes the family member to be fearful.

Apprehended Domestic Violence Order

Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) is a type of Apprehended Violence Order (AVO), which is issued by the Court in order to protect the complainant from future harassment, abuse (verbal, physical, emotional), stalking, intimidation with an intent to harm, and any such behaviour of the offender.

If you happen to receive an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO), you are not presented with a criminal record. The police will take a record of this AVO on their database. However, breaching your AVO is a criminal offence, and it can have a significant effect on your ability to work with children, your security licence and your firearms licence. 

Ability To Work With Children

If you apply for a job that involves children, by law, employers have to carry out a ‘Working With Children Check’. If an AVO has been made against you, this record may affect your job application as you may not be considered eligible for child-related employment.

Security Licence

An AVO can have an effect on you if you wish to apply for a security licence or if you already have obtained one. Your security licence may be cancelled, or your application for such a licence may be rejected if the Commissioner of Police believes that you are not a ‘fit and proper person to hold a security licence.

Firearms Licence

If an AVO has been made against you, it is best to surrender all your firearms to the police. In some instances, police officers may seize any firearms that are found at your place of residence. You may not be able to apply for another firearms licence for up to 10 years after a Final AVO has been made against you.

If you have been charged with a criminal offence such as breaching your AVO, Benjamin Leonardo’s AVO lawyers are able to provide you with further advice on this legal matter. Contact our AVO lawyers today!