Over Policing of Indigenous Australians and the Trifecta of Charges
The Australian Human Rights Commission states that Indigenous Australians are 17.3 times more likely to be arrested than Non-Indigenous Australians. In Western Australia, the Indigenous over-representation rate is four times the national average. Indigenous people are twice as likely as...
Understanding the Scope of Police Powers of Arrest NSW
Being arrested by the police is a daunting experience for anyone. The balance of the scales is tipped in favour of the police in such situations. You often feel powerless against the process. In particular, the uncertainty of the arrest...
Is Intimidation a Crime? Has the Law Kept Up With the Many Forms of Intimidation?
Intimidate is defined in the Oxford dictionary as to “frighten or overawe (someone), especially in order to make them do what one wants”. However, in this modern age of smartphones and cyber bullying, the act of intimidation can be so...
Body Cams a Win for the Police and the Public
NSW Police officers are to be equipped with “body cams”, lightweight video cameras that are clipped to officers’ uniforms when they are dealing with the public. This new initiative was announced recently by the NSW Government, and is expected to roll out...
What Are the Different Assault Charges in NSW?
If you have been charged with assault you could find yourself facing a number of different penalties, from a fine up to long-term imprisonment, depending on the circumstances and the seriousness of the alleged offence. Whether you choose to plead...
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...
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...
Should Police be Held More Accountable for their Actions?
Police forces hold a position of responsibility in Australia. As they are responsible for ensuring that those in the general community live up to certain standards of behaviour and follow the law, it stands to reason that individual members of...
Our Recent NSW Criminal Court Results – Non Conviction Orders
A criminal conviction can have a serious impact on your future, but with the right legal help it can be possible to avoid a conviction, even for relatively serious cases. A Section 10 order (now section 10 dismissal or conditional release...
Police Assault Young Man at Mardi Gras
By now you will have seen footage of a solidly-built police officer throwing a slightly-built, handcuffed young man to the hard ground and then standing on his body at last Saturday’s Mardi Gras. You may also have seen tv interviews...
