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 [...]

Being named as a defendant in an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) application can be extremely daunting. Orders can be made for the protection of a person in a domestic relationship, an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) or for the protection of a person who is outside of a domestic relationship, Apprehended Personal Violence Orders (APVO). An application for an AVO can be made by a [...]

Drivers who are convicted of high-range, middle-range, repeat and combined drink and drug driving offences in New South Wales are required to have an interlock device fitted to their vehicle. An interlock device is installed and linked to the ignition of a vehicle and in order for the vehicle to start, the driver must provide the device with an alcohol free sample of breath.  An [...]

What are sexual offences? Sexual offences are sexual activities carried out on one person without their consent. They are offences of a very serious nature which make the victim feel frightened, threatened and often suffer long-lasting effects. In criminal proceeding involving sexual offences against an adult the question of consent is often integral to the case.  That is whether the other person (complainant) had consented [...]