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...
Sniffer Dogs: Providing a Factual Basis for Suspicion
In order for police to legally search a person, premises or vehicle for drugs, they need to have a ‘reasonable suspicion’ that an illegal substance has been concealed. If police don’t have a factual basis for suspicion and they search...
The MERIT Program: Helping Defendants Overcome Substance Abuse Issues
The Magistrates Referral into Early Treatment (MERIT) program is a diversionary program that is designed to help defendants who have a substance abuse issue to obtain access to treatment, so they can overcome addition and reduce their chances of reoffending...
Issues Facing Female Inmates at Emu Plains Correctional and Other Centres
Female inmates make up 7% of the total prison population in NSW, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The figures also show that the number of female prisoners in NSW has risen by 48% over the past decade....
How Will A Drug Supply Conviction Affect My Ability to Travel?
Facing the possibility of a drug supply conviction can be a nerve wracking experience. Drug supply is considered a more serious offence than possession, and comes with harsher penalties. If you have been charged with supplying prohibited drugs, you will probably...
Will a Criminal Record or AVO Affect My Security Licence?
Do you already work in the security industry, or are you considering a career in the field? Whether you are currently employed or looking for work, you will need to have a security licence for most security-related occupations. If you...
Drug Rehabilitation Programs that Can Help Reduce Repeat Drug Offences in NSW
The justice system takes drug offences in NSW seriously. Anyone who is charged with a serious drug offence where the drugs involved are substantial faces significant penalties, including possible imprisonment. The penalties are also likely to increase for a second...
Information for Parramatta Drug Court Participants
Have you been charged with a drug-related offence? Or had you taken an intoxicating substance at the time you committed your alleged offence? If you are facing the probability of a custodial sentence, and you are dependent on a prohibited...
Defences to Possess a Prohibited Drug in your Vehicle
Drug possession can be a serious charge, depending on the amount and type of drug found in your vehicle, and being charged with a drug offence can be intimidating and scary. If you have been charged with the offence of...
R v Rondo – Reasonable Suspicion Explained
Contrary to popular belief, police officers are not allowed to just randomly search people, vehicles and premises for drugs, unless they have a good reason to believe that someone is in possession of an illegal substance. If you have been...
