head office: 9525 8688 
In NSW, entering an early guilty plea of guilty can provide significant benefits. The timing of a defendant's guilty plea can also influence the sentencing outcome. Sentencing discounts are mechanisms used to incentivise early admissions of guilt, promote efficiency, and reduce the emotional and financial burdens of legal proceedings on the victims and the state. Defendants can receive a sentencing discount ranging from 1% to [...]
In a significant legislative advancement, the New South Wales (NSW) government has enacted the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Coercive Control) Act 2022, which introduces a comprehensive framework targeting coercive control and abusive behaviour within intimate relationships. The Act amends the Crimes Act 1900 to include a new Division 6A, specifically targeting abusive behaviour towards intimate partners. Under Section 54D, the legislation establishes a precise offence for [...]
Drug possession and supply offences are dealt with in the Local and District Court. Depending on the type of drug and the quantity, the offence will be categorised as a possession offence or a supply offence. The penalty is also dependent on the type of drug and the quantity. What Is Drug Possession? Possession of prohibited drug is an offence under Section 10 of the [...]
Often times we have clients who come to us, who have exceptional circumstances where it is evident they are suffering from some mental health issues. If you have been charged with a crime and were suffering from a mental or cognitive impairment at the time, there are good prospects for your matter to be dealt with under the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Act 2020, [...]
Just recently on 13 July 2023, a new act was assented which now increases the penalty rates for the act of possessing, carrying and using a knife in public places or schools. These changes have been introduced with the Criminal Legislation Amendment (Knife Crimes) Act of 2023 ("Knife Crimes Amendment"). Previously these knife crimes were summary offences meaning that they were dealt with by the [...]
Have you been stopped and searched by a police officer? It can be confronting to experience a stop and search, so it's important to know what your rights are in any situation and when it is and isn't reasonable that you be subjected to a stop and search. We have compiled the most frequently asked questions to ensure you know your rights when being subject [...]
When a full licence holder exceeds their demerit points limit for a period of 12 months they may be offered by Transport New South Wales a good behaviour licence. Losing all your demerit points When a driver goes over the demerit point limit, they receive a Notice of Suspension from the Road Maritime Services (RMT). This provides the driver a choice of either serving a [...]
So you've been asked in for a police questioning. You might be wondering, do you have to attend? And if you do attend, do you have to answer their questions? Can you have a lawyer present? It's not always easy to tell what your rights and responsibilities are in these situations. Below you'll find all the information you need to know to ensure your best [...]
There are significant consequences for using your mobile while driving with only few exceptions in New South Wales. In March 2020, New South Wales became the first State to implement the use of mobile phone detection cameras. The cameras utilise high-definition and infra-red flash to capture a clear image inside the front cabin of your motor vehicle. The images captured are then reviewed by artificial [...]
In New South Wales it is a serious offence to drive a motor vehicle while your Prescribed Concentration of Alcohol (PCA) levels are higher than permitted for the category of driver’s licence you hold. It’s the festive season and police are out in force to protect the community. For some, it can be difficult to judge whether they are over the legal limit before getting [...]
