If you wish to plead guilty to a criminal or traffic case, there are a range of steps that can be taken to ensure you receive the most lenient outcome in the circumstances.
Taking these steps can even contribute to persuading the magistrate or judge not to record a conviction against your name, which can be achieved by obtaining a section 10(1)(a) dismissal, a section 10(1)(c) bond or a non-conviction conditional release order.
Depending on your particular case, the steps that can be undertaken may include your lawyer:
- Seeking to downgrade the charges; for example, from drug supply to drug possession, from assault occasioning actual bodily harm to common assault, from sexual assault to indecent assault, from high range drink driving to a lower range (by, for example, obtaining a pharmacological report to show your blood alcohol concentration at the time of driving was likely lower than later when tested at the station);
- Seeking to reduce the number of charges; for example, merging several fraud or theft-related charges into a single charge;
- Guiding you on how to draft a letter of apology to the court;
- Assisting you or those who are drafting character references on your behalf to ensure they are appropriate for court;
- Directing you to undertake any programs which may help convince the court you have taken responsibility and addressing underling issues;
- Obtaining any relevant reports or letters of attendance from medical practitioners or programs.
Our specialist criminal defence team is vastly experienced inside the courtroom and our formidable advocates will persuasively present your case before the magistrate or judge to ensure you receive the best possible result in your circumstances.
Going to court? Call us today on (02) 9261 8881 to arrange a free first conference with one of our experienced defence lawyers.
We offer fixed fees for many of our services, including guilty pleas.