Opal Card Data Accessible by Police Without a Warrant
There’s no doubt that public transport smartcards are convenient for commuters who take public transport regularly, saving them money and time queuing for tickets. But along with the convenience comes a hidden cost, with recent reports revealing that data from...
Car Rebirthing in NSW
Car rebirthing, where vehicles are stolen, stripped of identifying numbers and then sold, is believed to be fairly widespread in NSW. Earlier this year, an alleged syndicate operating out of Sydney’s west was arrested and police seized 32 cars and...
Police Drug Dogs and Your Rights if They Touch You
Police drug dogs are a common sight at airports, music festivals and at any number of other places or events where police believe that there is a chance people may be carrying illegal drugs. The law states that police aren’t...
A New Trial in Lithgow Jail to Cut Prison Crime
This month in the Sydney District Court, Bassam Hamzy pleaded guilty to the kidnapping of John Baroutas back in 2008 as well as supplying a commercial quantity of drugs and other offences. But the most astonishing thing is that he...
What are the Penalties for Fare Evasion?
With the advent of the opal card, quick, efficient public transport is once again on the agenda of the NSW government. However, so is catching out people who evade public transport fares and try to cheat the system. This year,...
Contamination in Law – A Brief Guide
Deliberately contaminating goods can lead to criminal charges under the Crimes Act 1900. Contamination can be a serious charge and if you have been accused of this offence, it’s important that you take it seriously and obtain legal advice from...
Does Material Fact Law Need an Overhaul?
If you are selling a property which has previously been the site of a murder, according to the law you need to inform potential buyers of the property’s history. This is known as material fact law, and it is in...
How Can You Defend Someone You Know is Guilty?
How can you defend someone you know is guilty? Anyone who has practised criminal law is sure to have heard this question at least once. Some people think that a criminal defence lawyer’s job is to free murderers, sexual offenders...
Can I Change My Plea? Reversing Laws NSW
If you are charged with a criminal offence, you will be required to indicate a plea where you state that you either accept the charges (guilty) or you wish to defend yourself against them (not guilty). A plea is usually...
DPP v Mathews-Hunter
Although police powers have been increasing in legislation, the judges are still firmly upholding fundamental common law rights in the courtroom. Just ask Mathews-Hunter, an eighteen year old who was recently in front of the NSW Supreme Court, after being...
