Our story is one of great challenges that have beset us due circumstances in which we were faced to encounter. Without a doubt in our minds, Leonardo’s absolute dedication, compassion, care and commitment to my brother’s case supported by Benjamin and Richard ensured the outcome we achieved on the 15th December 2011.

Our association was by chance – from the moment I made the first phone call very late the evening before the first court case, Leo took the time to hear our situation and advised he would assist us. He provided us with facts and reassurance at all times where nothing was ever too much. He was always ready, willing and able to assist – a quality that continued throughout our association over a year and a half.

Even when beset with financial difficulties for a period and setbacks, Leo’s support had never wavered and we remained in contact. It was by chance again that we met one morning in a shopping centre. Leo had asked how our case was travelling. When made aware of the poor conduct and poor legal advice provided by a public advocate/body, he’s genuine concern and moist importantly his desire to help and work outside the box were to us a breath of fresh air and source of hope in such difficult times.

We have found Leo, Ben and Richard a real joy to work with due to their positive nature, work ethic and inbuilt integrity.

Leo, with your dedication, mentoring and compassion, the greatest gift you have given us is that you helped change the course of a young man’s life for the chance of a better future – we thank you sincerely.

We have no hesitation in recommending our lawyers Leonardo Premutico and Benjamin Goh. Their conduct sets the benchmark for others to follow as fine ambassadors representing their industry and the clients they serve.

After being a charged for my third violent offence and in breach of my Intensive Correctional Order, I had my mind set on how long I would be serving in full-time custody but speaking to you gave me confidence in a positive outcome, yet still keeping in check with the reality of the situation. In court I couldn’t have been more pleased by how well everything was planned out and displayed to the magistrate. Me and my family’s dreams came true when the magistrate had given me another chance for another ICO (Intensive Corrections Order), even though I was already serving 2 ICOs. Every person I know or who have heard about the situation I was in couldn’t believe you managed to fight and win such a hard case. Head officers of the ICO program had told me I was the only one in Australia to be placed on three consecutive ICO orders and that my lawyer must’ve been one of the best in the business. I couldn’t have agreed more with them about the outstanding job that you had done and no amount of thanks and gratitude can be put into words to express my feelings.

On top of the other serious case I was going through, I had also being charged for my second drink driving offence. Despite my tainted driving record, the magistrate had given me six months good behaviour bond without a loss of licence. It was probably the first time I had ever seen a judge lost for words at the statements that a lawyer had put forward. Even complimenting what you said and acknowledging every word without argument. Everyone in the court was astounded by the professionalism you showed and I couldn’t have been more proud to have you representing me.

I would definitely, without hesitation, recommend Benjamin Goh to any person who wants the best possible outcome for their case. Everything is planned perfectly and displayed outstandingly. Most importantly, he is a top bloke who is easy to get along with and very comfortable to talk with.

From,

Chris

In this article we look at how to prepare when facing a criminal charge.

Preparing for your court date is extremely important. Being unprepared will not assist you in obtaining the best possible result.

On the day of your Local Court appearance you should make sure you show up early. If you arrive late or don’t turn up at all – the Magistrate can either in some cases issue a warrant for your arrest or deal with your case without you being present.

Prior to your court date you should have a lawyer that specialises in Criminal Law, who is prepared and familiar with your case.

Lawyers who know your case, your circumstances and a strong understanding of the Law will help you to achieve the best possible result.

Make sure you have detailed information with you that relates to your case to assist any questions the Magistrate or lawyer may have. Every piece of information is crucial in your case, and it is best to have it documented and organised to present in the Local Court if necessary.

If you are familiar or unfamiliar with your criminal charge, learn the penalties and know what to expect such as fines, bonds, community service, disqualification of license and imprisonment.

Penalties are determined by how serious the offence is, your previous record weighed up against your explanation and your personal circumstances.

Dressing smart for attending the Local Court is also important. You need to present well and respond to any questions in a clear tone of voice and professional manner. You will need to give your full undivided attention to the Magistrate at all times and respect his or her decision.

If you have committed a DUI offence you will find yourself going to Court. In this case you will require the help of a specialist drink driving lawyer.

If you are convicted of a DUI offence in a NSW court you will:

• Automatically lose your drivers licence;
• Receive a maximum fine of between $1,100 and $5,500 depending on the prescribed concentration of alcohol (PCA) you are charged with and whether this is your first or subsequent offence;
• Leave Court with a criminal record; and
• Potentially even face a gaol term

How the Court deals with you will depend largely on how your case is presented to the Magistrate. Employing the services of a lawyer to act on your behalf will ensure that you are aware of all the options available to you and help you obtain the best possible outcome.

Drink driving lawyers can help you minimise the legal ramifications of your offence, help guide you through the court process and advise on how best to approach your DUI charges.

One very important thing drink driving lawyers can help you with is obtaining a ‘section 10’. This occurs when your lawyer is able to persuade the courts not to record a conviction, not to penalise you and to allow you to keep your drivers licence. As the conviction is not recorded there is no criminal record.

When considering a section 10 the Court will take into account:

• Your age;
• Your character;
• Your record;
• Your health and mental condition;
• The trivial nature of your DUI offence;
• Any extenuating circumstances; and
• Anything the Court might think relevant.

Drink driving lawyers help present this information to the courts and can help you navigate your way around the court system.

If a section 10 is not suitable for your case, or if you are unsuccessful in obtaining a section 10 dismissal, your lawyer can still help reduce the ramifications of your penalties. Drink driving lawyers can help:

• Reduce the period your licence is suspended;
• Minimise the fine you face; and
• Help you avoid a gaol term or minimise it if it is a very serious offence.

If you find yourself facing a DUI offence please contact us today to see how we can help you achieve the best possible outcome.

The study showed that of all the people tried in the Local Court for a criminal offence, 89 per cent were convicted of their crime.

In the Children’s Court 86 per cent of accused persons were found guilty.

In the District Court and the Supreme Court 84 per cent of accused persons were convicted of their crime.

Interestingly enough though, the total number of court cases in all court systems has dropped in the past year from 146,560 cases in 2009 to 132,766 cases in 2010, which is a total decrease of almost 10 per cent.

The further breakdown showed that Local Court cases had the biggest impact on this reduction with their number of cases finalised in criminal court dropping 9.4 per cent from 2009 to 2010, from 133,240 cases to 120,662 cases.

The Children’s Court showed similar results with a lowering of 10.3 per cent due to the cases dropping from 9,616 to 8,630.

The District Court and the Supreme Court dropped from 3,704 cases finalised in court to 3,474 cases, a 6.2 per cent decrease.

In dealing with other more specific trends, the amount of people charged with a criminal offence involving imprisonment for driver licence convictions decreased in the past year by 25 per cent in Local Court, dropping from 945 to 712.

The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research’s report states this was largely due to the drop in people being charged with “drive while disqualified”.

A fall in the number of people imprisoned for a driver licence related criminal offence also went down from 4.6 per cent to 4.2 per cent over the previous year.

Despite all of these declining numbers, cases that made it from a lesser Criminal Court all the way to the Supreme Court increased from 42.1 per cent to 57.8 per cent. The report says that this was mainly due to the trials of five terrorists and five murders who were all co-accused.

The study showed that of all the people tried in the Local Court for a criminal offence, 89 per cent were convicted of their crime.

In the Children’s Court 86 per cent of accused persons were found guilty.

In the District Court and the Supreme Court 84 per cent of accused persons were convicted of their crime.

Interestingly enough though, the total number of court cases in all court systems has dropped in the past year from 146,560 cases in 2009 to 132,766 cases in 2010, which is a total decrease of almost 10 per cent.

The further breakdown showed that Local Court cases had the biggest impact on this reduction with their number of cases finalised in criminal court dropping 9.4 per cent from 2009 to 2010, from 133,240 cases to 120,662 cases.

The Children’s Court showed similar results with a lowering of 10.3 per cent due to the cases dropping from 9,616 to 8,630.

The District Court and the Supreme Court dropped from 3,704 cases finalised in court to 3,474 cases, a 6.2 per cent decrease.

In dealing with other more specific trends, the amount of people charged with a criminal offence involving imprisonment for driver licence convictions decreased in the past year by 25 per cent in Local Court, dropping from 945 to 712.

The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research’s report states this was largely due to the drop in people being charged with “drive while disqualified”.

A fall in the number of people imprisoned for a driver licence related criminal offence also went down from 4.6 per cent to 4.2 per cent over the previous year.

Despite all of these declining numbers, cases that made it from a lesser Criminal Court all the way to the Supreme Court increased from 42.1 per cent to 57.8 per cent. The report says that this was mainly due to the trials of five terrorists and five murders who were all co-accused.

He was convincing and confident in the way he spoke.

Got as much information from me and had a good strategy.

Now I can get on with my life thanks to Leo and Ben thanks to you as well for recommending Leo and giving me this opportunity.

Client was charged with Mid Range Drink Driving. The Court was persuaded to deal with his matter by way of section 10.