When you are first served with an Apprehended Violence Order in New South Wales, it is easy to focus only on the court date. In reality, the conditions on the order can start affecting your life straight away – where you can live, who you can contact, your work, your licences and even future family…
Being arrested and held in custody is confronting for anyone, especially if it is your first experience of the criminal justice system. One of the biggest questions for you and your family is whether you will be granted bail or remain in custody while your matter goes through the courts. Understanding how that decision is…
What is drug possession? Drug possession usually involves smaller quantities of a prohibited drug held for personal use. To prove possession, the prosecution must show that you had physical control of the substance and that you knew it was there and that it was a prohibited drug. Typical examples include drugs found in your pocket,…
Step 1: Stay calm and exercise your right to silence If police approach you about an alleged assault, you must provide your name and address, but you do not have to answer detailed questions about what happened. What you say in those first conversations can be recorded and later used as evidence. Staying calm, avoiding…
In New South Wales, your criminal record is essentially a list of offences where a court has found you guilty and recorded a conviction. That can include common assault, theft, fraud, property damage, drug offences and serious traffic matters such as drink driving and driving while disqualified. Minor issues that are dealt with by way…
If police contact you and ask you to attend a station for an interview, it is natural to feel anxious. Many people worry that refusing to talk will make things worse, or that agreeing to an interview will “clear everything up”. In reality, what happens at a police interview can have a major impact on…
Police Pursuit Laws: What Drivers In NSW Need To Know Police pursuits are treated extremely seriously in NSW because of the risks they pose to drivers, passengers and the public. Being accused of failing to stop for police or leading police on a pursuit can result in significant penalties, including imprisonment, lengthy disqualification and a…
Breaking Down The Process: From Arrest To Bail An arrest can happen quickly and unexpectedly, leaving people and their families unsure what to do next. Understanding the basic steps from arrest through to a bail decision can ease some of the anxiety and help you make better choices about speaking to police and engaging a…
Street Racing Charges: Defence Strategies & Legal Options Being charged with street racing in NSW is a serious matter that can lead to heavy fines, licence disqualification, vehicle sanctions and even imprisonment. Street racing offences are dealt with under the Road Transport Act, and having experienced traffic defence lawyers on your side can make a…
The Difference Between A Criminal Offence & A Traffic Offence Most people don’t realise that some driving-related offences can actually cross the line into criminal territory. What might seem like a minor traffic infringement could, under certain circumstances, lead to serious legal consequences that follow you for life. Understanding the distinction between a criminal offence…
