When a person pleads guilty or is found guilty of a crime, the Court is tasked with determining a proportionate penalty. This is known as the “sentence” for the crime. The Court is guided by legislation and caselaw when determining a sentence. This provides a method to find the most appropriate sentence. They must determine …
When you have been arrested by the Police, there are a few options available to the Police in relation to bail. They can either release you with the Court documentation and advise you when you are to attend Court, they can release you upon conditions such as reporting to the Police, this is known as …
The High Court has recently dealt with two high profile cases relating to the validity of Search Warrants. The Australian Federal Police used these Warrants to search either the home of a Journalist or the office of a media organisation (the ABC). In the most recent case concerning a Warrant, it was used to search …
The NSW Government passed the COVID-19 Legislation Amendment (emergency Measures) Bill 2020, in response to the unprecedented times that the country and world are facing. There is some confusion surrounding what the legislation means for society noting the importance of isolation and social distancing in these times. We at Adams & Partners Lawyers understand the …
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Changes to the Law in NSW Read More »
The expression of “liquid courage” is something that is often heard by criminal lawyers. It is heard when people find themselves in difficult situations because they had been out drinking. It is widely accepted that being intoxicated is not a defence to committing a crim. However, where people are charged with what’s known as an …
If a person is arrested for drink driving, there are 3 standard categories which they can be placed into. These categories are low range, high range and mid-range. However, it is possible for that category and the roadside reading to which it is associated, to be inaccurate scientifically. There is growing authority to state that …
In 2015 a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme was introduced in New South Wales. This scheme was based on a scheme introduced in the United Kingdom known as “Clare’s Law. The scheme is based on the high rate of recidivism in domestic violence offenders. The objective of the scheme is to allow people to be aware …
Being served with an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) is both confronting and intimidating. First and foremost, it is important for any defendant to seek legal advice. Each persons set of circumstances is unique and an AVO can effect many aspects of a persons life. This can include employment, travel and in some cases can cause …
New laws (The Road Transport Legislation Amendment Bill 2018) now allow Police to issue an on the spot Licence suspension for up to three (3) months. The Police has discretion as to whether or not they will issue a Suspension Notice and as to how long the suspension will be (i.e. Up to a maximum …
In late 2018, the penalties able to be imposed by the Local Court of NSW changed. When a party pleads guilty to an offence, the Court has a number of options with respect of a penalty. Below we broadly outline the options and their effect. Condition Release Order Previously known as the Section 10(1)(b) a …
