What Can I Expect if Police Arrive With a Search Warrant?
It can be distressing to be the subject of a police investigation or search, particularly if it takes place in your home. Although police have certain powers to stop and search you or your property without a warrant, if they...
What is the Difference Between a Home Detention Order and an Intensive Correction Order?
If you are facing criminal charges and the likelihood of a prison sentence, the judge or magistrate presiding over your case has, in some cases, the power to allow you serve your sentence at home rather than in jail. Instead...
Is Cyber Bullying Legislation in NSW Sufficient?
Cyber bullying has been in the spotlight in NSW recently after the death of television personality Charlotte Dawson. Dawson was a well-known campaigner against cyber bullying, and had been on the receiving end of harassment via social media platforms such as Twitter....
What is the Pro Bono Scheme?
What do you do if you have a legal problem, are struggling to afford a lawyer, and you find out you aren’t eligible for Legal Aid? The NSW pro bono scheme is set up and run by the Law Society, and it...
What Does the Law Say About Extreme Provocation?
Murder is considered to be the most serious criminal offence and comes with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, which in NSW means that those who are found guilty can spend the rest of their lives in prison. There are...
S58 of the Crimes Act: What Happens if I am Charged with Assaulting an Officer?
Assaulting a police officer or another type of official such as a customs officer, sheriff, or prison officer is an indictable offence. This means that it can be dealt with either in the local court before a magistrate, or in...
Is There a Statute of Limitations for Minor Offences in NSW?
Have you been charged with a summary offence which you allegedly committed months or even years in the past? If you have committed a criminal offence, there is sometimes a time limit for police to bring charges against you. If...
Phone Use Now One of the Top Five Causes of Driving Fatalities
Mobile phone use has surpassed not wearing a seatbelt as one of the top five causes of driving fatalities, according to recent figures released by the NSW Centre for Road Safety. Other main causes of driving fatalities include speeding, drink...
Is Mental Health Training for Police Necessary?
NSW police officers will undergo specialist training in mental health to allow them to deal more effectively with members of the community who are suffering from psychological issues. The training is expected to start this week, and will take the...
Minor Assaults Expected to be Left Out of One-Punch Legislation
NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell has reportedly watered down new legislation surrounding one-punch attacks. The first set of one-punch laws came into effect last month, and introduced mandatory sentencing for fatal assaults fuelled by alcohol. It is now expected that more...
