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...
Control Orders and Juvenile Justice Centres
Young people who are under the age of 18 and have been charged with a criminal offence can face a number of penalties. Penalties for minors who are found guilty in the children’s court vary from a caution, to a...
What Happens to Young Offenders After They Are Charged?
Children as young as 10 can be held criminally responsible for breaking the law in NSW. The criminal justice system is different for children than for adults, and is set up in a way that is intended to help them...
Will I Face Criminal Charges if I Have an Overpayment from Centrelink?
If you have received an overpayment from Centrelink, or any other government organisation, you may be charged with a criminal offence, depending on the circumstances. Offences involving Centrelink Fraud are classified as Commonwealth Offences, which means that they are dealt...
What Does Criminal Law Say on Consent?
Sexual offences in NSW come with harsh penalties and it is vital that defendants seek representation from criminal defence lawyers who are experienced in sexual assault cases. Depending on the severity of the offence, a person convicted of sexual assault...
