How Does A Section 14 Mental Health Order Work?
Section 14 of the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020 is commonly used to divert those who suffer from mental conditions away from criminal penalisation and towards getting help and treatment they need. A section 14 can...
Can I Get a Section 10 Dismissal or Conditional Release Order for Drink Driving?
If you have been charged with a drink driving offence, the consequences you face can be serious. You can be fined, and can even face a jail term depending on the severity of the offence. You will also face a...
Writing an Apology Letter to Court
Is your next court date a sentence hearing? You may have just pled guilty to an offence, or been found guilty of an offence. Waiting to know what penalty may be imposed for your offence can be a stressful time....
Barbaro v The Queen
It has become quite common in criminal cases for the prosecution to make submissions to the judge about what they think should be the appropriate sentence for an offence. However, a recent ruling by the High Court in Barbaro v...
Can I Withdraw or Change an AVO?
Relationships between people change over the course of time. If you have taken an apprehended violence order (AVO) out against someone, and the circumstances of your relationship with them have changed, you may want to vary the restrictions of the...
What is an Annulment Application?
When you are given a court attendance notice or are arrested by the police, you are required to physically attend court on the nominated day unless you have a very good reason not to be there. If you are dealing...
Pre-Release Programs in Sydney Prisons
Being released from jail can be daunting for an inmate, particularly if they’ve been in custody for a long period of time. Often, when inmates are released they face difficulties in finding housing, employment, social support and reconnecting with family...
Can I Avoid a Conviction if I Plead Guilty to a Serious Drug Charge? R v Mauger
We all make bad decisions from time to time, but when it comes to breaking the law, poor judgment could land you in front of a District Court Judge facing potential time behind bars. The defendant in R v Mauger knows this...
Do I Need Permission to Film in a Public Place?
Under Australian law, you are generally entitled to film in a public space without anyone’s consent. This includes recording buildings, sites, and even people. However, there are certain situations where you will need permission, and the purpose of your filming...
Seeking Costs against Police at Court
If you have been wrongly arrested or charged with a crime, you (or your lawyer on your behalf) will still almost certainly be required to go to court to ensure that the charges are properly withdrawn. Court costs and legal...
