New Sentencing Regime Being Suggested for NSW
Sweeping changes to sentencing in NSW have been suggested in a recent report by the Law Reform Commission. The document, which was tabled before the NSW Attorney General Greg Smith in September 2013, details 100 proposed changes. These changes are...
The New Bail Act – Changes to Bail Legislation in NSW
Changes to the bail process in NSW, including the removal of presumptions in favour of bail, are set to become law. The legislation, known as the new Bail Act, was introduced to the state parliament in May 2013. The act...
NSW Law and Drink Spiking as a Crime
With the party season well underway, it is important to stay as safe as possible and enjoy yourself without ending up in legal trouble. Under NSW law, drink spiking is a criminal offence that can attract harsh penalties. Whether you...
Is it a crime to threaten or intimidate someone?
Certain threats and acts of intimidation are considered to be serious criminal offences. For each of those offences, the prosecution must prove certain matters beyond reasonable doubt. Here’s what you need to know. The offence of staking or intimidation in...
Police Use of Tasers in the Spotlight
Tasers are weapons that are given to police officers for use only in certain situations. According to the NSW police operating procedures, officers are only meant to use Tasers in situations where they are in immediate danger, or are under...
Is it legal to carry a knife?
There appears to be some confusion about whether a person is allowed to carry a knife in a public place in NSW. Various online forums discuss the issue and reach different conclusions about the circumstances in which a person is...
What is Drug Supply?
If you are charged with drug supply, the maximum applicable penalty will vary depending on the type and quantity of the drug, and whether your case remains in the Local Court or is finalised in a higher court such as the District...
Thumbnail Sketch of Defences to Criminal Charges
The main defences available in criminal law are: 1. Self Defence This is when you are acting in reasonable defence of yourself, another person or property. An example is a bar fight when you punch someone back after they attack...
Is it Legal to Film Police in NSW?
In recent years the combination of smartphones with cameras and social media has meant that anyone can photograph or video anything and everything and post it online in a matter of moments. Nobody, from strangers on the street to friends...
Community Service Orders: Benefits Compared to Prison Sentences
If you have committed an offence in NSW you could find yourself liable for a number of potential penalties, including imprisonment, fines and community service orders. The benefits of being sentenced to community service compared to being sentenced to prison...
