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lawyer on your behalf) will still almost certainly be required to go to court to ensure that the charges are properly withdrawn.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...
How can I remove my habitual offender declaration?
What is a habitual offender declaration? A habitual offender declaration is an order made by the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) against people who are found guilty of 3 or more ‘relevant traffic offences’ within 5 years. It basically means...
Is it Legal to Film People with a Smart Phone?
In today’s digital world, pretty much everyone has a smart phone with filming capability. Recordings can also be made available for public viewing on the internet within seconds. But is it legal to film people with a smart phone? The...
The Reliability of Confessions in the Daniel Morcombe Case
The highly publicised trial of child sex offender Brett Peter Cowan for the murder of 13-year-old Daniel Morcombe has cast a spotlight on a number of different legal issues, including the reliability of confessions. Cowan was earlier this month convicted...
Recent Changes to Police Powers in NSW
A bill giving NSW police increased powers to arrest people without a warrant has been signed off. The changes were introduced to NSW Parliament late last year, in a bill known as the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Amendment (Arrest without...