How to Help Children Cope with Having a Parent at Silverwater Jail for Women
Having a parent in jail can be confusing for children. It may be difficult for them to understand why their parent has gone away, and they may need to be cared for by other family members or friends while their...
Defences for a Charge of Possessing Child Abuse Material
The production, possession or dissemination of child abuse material is a serious criminal offence under Section 91H of the Crimes Act. If you are found with anything that is considered to be child abuse material in your possession, you could...
What if My Rights are Violated When I Am under Arrest in NSW?
NSW police have extensive powers when they choose to arrest someone, but the arrested person also has certain rights that they are entitled to. If you are under arrest in NSW and police don’t act in accordance with these rights,...
Education Programs at Silverwater Jail for Women
Silverwater jail for women is one of the largest correctional facilities for female offenders in NSW. It is the main reception centre for women, and it is generally the first place inmates will be sent after sentencing, or while they...
Court Sentences in NSW; Community Service Orders and How They Work
If you have been found guilty of a criminal offence, the courts will sentence you. Court sentences in NSW vary according to the nature and severity of the offence, and they include custodial prison sentences, home detention, good behaviour bonds,...
Are you facing a Traffic Offence? Represent Yourself in Court
Not everyone can afford a criminal lawyer. If you have been charged with a traffic offence, but you don’t have legal representation, you can still take steps to ensure the most positive outcome possible by representing yourself. Here are a...
Offensive Language and Obscene Conduct are NSW Crimes
Are you facing a charge of obscene exposure or offensive conduct? These offences are surprisingly common, and although they are generally not considered severe, you can still end up with a criminal record and a fine, or in some cases...
What is an Interim or Short Term AVO?
If someone applies for an AVO against you, or the police apply on their behalf, you may be served with an interim or short term AVO while the matter is being dealt with further. An interim AVO is similar to...
Visiting a Maximum Security Prisoner in Cessnock Prison
Cessnock prison opened its maximum security section, which is built to house up to 250 inmates, in February 2013. The addition of the new section makes Cessnock prison the largest NSW correctional complex outside Sydney, with a total capacity of...
It Must be Tough to be a Magistrate!
Magistracy: what an unenviable job. I sometimes sit in the courtroom waiting for my turn and watch Magistrates keep their cool while dealing with the most frustrating situations. Dealing with the same cases day-in day-out. Dealing with a court list...
