When can Police Suspend my Licence on the Spot?
Sometimes police can suspend your driver’s licence on the spot if they allege you have committed a serious traffic offence. They can do this immediately after you have been pulled-over, or within 48 hours afterwards. Driving licence suspension notices take...
Unacceptable Risk in Bail Laws: What Does it Mean?
Under the new NSW Bail Act, it is up to the bail authority to determine whether a defendant poses an unacceptable risk to the community if they are released on bail pending their court date. A bail authority can be...
Female Genital Mutilation Bill Passes NSW Parliament
The maximum penalty for performing female genital mutilation has been increased to 21 years’ imprisonment after the passing of a bill through NSW Parliament. Previously, the penalty for performing genital mutilation on females was a maximum of seven years in prison. A...
What Are the Different Assault Charges in NSW?
If you have been charged with assault you could find yourself facing a number of different penalties, from a fine up to long-term imprisonment, depending on the circumstances and the seriousness of the alleged offence. Whether you choose to plead...
Minor Assaults Expected to be Left Out of One-Punch Legislation
NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell has reportedly watered down new legislation surrounding one-punch attacks. The first set of one-punch laws came into effect last month, and introduced mandatory sentencing for fatal assaults fuelled by alcohol. It is now expected that more...
New One-Punch Law in Force in NSW
Controversial new legislation surrounding one-punch sentencing is now law after being pushed through NSW Parliament late last month in a special sitting. The new legislation mandates a minimum sentence of eight years for a drug or alcohol-fuelled assault that results...
Do Mandatory Sentences Work?
The issue of mandatory sentencing has been in the media recently, with NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell announcing the proposed introduction of mandatory sentencing laws for alcohol-fueled one-punch attacks. Under the proposed new laws, defendants found guilty of fatal offences involving...
What the Law Says About “King Hit” Attacks
Our video and blog post below discusses what the law says about ‘king hit’ attacks. Alcohol-related violence has been in the media spotlight recently, particularly the growing number of king hit incidents - which some have called “coward punches” –...
Controversial Bill “Zoe’s Law” Passes NSW Lower House
Unborn babies are now on the way to having separate legal recognition to their mothers after a controversial bill passed the lower house of the NSW Parliament last week. Under the bill, known as Zoe’s Law, defendants could for the...
What Types of Cases Appear at Parramatta District Court?
The NSW court system is divided into three different levels of court. The local court deals with less serious matters. Local court hearings are presided over by a magistrate rather than a judge and jury. The district court is where...
