Section 105.43 Criminal Code Act 1995
Recording Detainee Details

105.43  Taking fingerprints, recordings, samples of handwriting or photographs

(1)  A police officer must not take identification material from a person who is being detained under a preventative detention order except in accordance with this section.

Note:          A contravention of this subsection may be an offence under section 105.45.

(2)  A police officer who is of the rank of sergeant or higher may take identification material from the person, or cause identification material from the person to be taken, if:

(a)  the person consents in writing; or

(b)  the police officer believes on reasonable grounds that it is necessary to do so for the purpose of confirming the person’s identity as the person specified in the order.

(3)  A police officer may use such force as is necessary and reasonable in the circumstances to take identification material from a person under this section.

(4)  Subject to this section, a police officer must not take identification material (other than hand prints, fingerprints, foot prints or toe prints) from the person if the person:

(a)  is under 18 years of age; or

(b)  is incapable of managing his or her affairs;

unless a Federal Magistrate orders that the material be taken.

Note:          A contravention of this subsection may be an offence under section 105.45.

(5)  In deciding whether to make such an order, the Federal Magistrate must have regard to:

(a)  the age, or any disability, of the person; and

(b)  such other matters as the Federal Magistrate thinks fit.

(6)  The taking of identification material from a person who:

(a)  is under 18 years of age; or

(b)  is incapable of managing his or her affairs;

must be done in the presence of:

(c)  a parent or guardian of the person; or

(d)  if a parent or guardian of the person is not acceptable to the person—another appropriate person.

Note 1:       For appropriate person, see subsection (11).

Note 2:       A contravention of this subsection may be an offence under section 105.45.

(7)  Despite this section, identification material may be taken from a person who is under 18 years of age and is capable of managing his or her affairs if:

(a)  subsections (8) and (9) are satisfied; or

(b)  subsection (8) or (9) is satisfied (but not both) and a Federal Magistrate orders that the material be taken.

In deciding whether to make such an order, the Federal Magistrate must have regard to the matters set out in subsection (5).

(8)  This subsection applies if the person agrees in writing to the taking of the material.

(9)  This subsection applies if either:

(a)  a parent or guardian of the person; or

(b)  if a parent or guardian is not acceptable to the person—another appropriate person;

agrees in writing to the taking of the material.

Note:          For appropriate person, see subsection (11).

(10)  Despite this section, identification material may be taken from a person who:

(a)  is at least 18 years of age; and

(b)  is capable of managing his or her affairs;

if the person consents in writing.

(11)  A reference in this section to an appropriate person in relation to a person (the subject) who is under 18 years of age, or incapable of managing his or her affairs, is a reference to a person who:

(a)  is capable of representing the subject’s interests; and

(b)  as far as is practicable in the circumstances, is acceptable to the subject and the police officer who is detaining the subject; and

(c)  is none of the following:

(i)  an AFP member;

(ii)  an AFP employee (within the meaning of the Australian Federal Police Act 1979);

(iii)  a member (however described) of a police force of a State or Territory;

(iv)  an officer or employee of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation.

Going to court can be nerve-racking, but having a strong and compassionate legal team behind you can make the experience significantly easier to deal with.

Here are 12 reasons to choose our multi-award winning legal team:

1. Proven Track Record of Exceptional Results

   Sydney Criminal Lawyers® consistently achieves outcomes which are in the highest percentile of the Judicial Commission’s sentencing statistics for criminal cases.

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   We also consistently win appeals in the District and Supreme Courts (including the NSWCCA) after clients have received unsatisfactory results with other law firms in the lower courts.We are one of the few firms to achieve successful criminal law appeals in the High Court of Australia.

   Where our clients wish to plead guilty, we frequently achieve ‘dismissals’ and ‘non convictions’ in cases where other lawyers have advised there is no chance of doing so.

2. Highest Level of Client Satisfaction

   We have the best and most comprehensive client review record of any law firm in Australia.

   Regular communication, accessibility and quality service are our team’s highest priorities.

   We are committed to thoroughly explaining all steps involved in the criminal law process, providing regular updates throughout the proceedings, and making ourselves accessible and responsive.

   We are passionate about providing an exceptional level of service to our clients, and we fight hard to achieve optimal results in the shortest period of time.

3. Australia’s Most Awarded Criminal Law Firm
   

   We have received more awards and accolades than any other criminal law firm in Australia. Our team has been awarded “Criminal Defence Firm of the Year in Australia” in a number of prestigious and competitive awards programs for several years running.

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   For those who are going to court, we offer a free first conference of up to an hour with one of our Senior Criminal Defence Lawyers.

   We also offer a free first conference to those who have received an unsatisfactory result after being represented in court by another law firm, or after representing themselves, and wish to appeal.

6. Specialist Lawyer Guarantee
   

   We guarantee that only lawyers with substantial criminal defence experience will work on your case and appear for you in court.

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7. All NSW Courts
   

   From Bombala to Broken Hill, our lawyers appear in courts throughout New South Wales – and across Australia for Commonwealth cases.

   And we offer fixed fees for most criminal and traffic law cases throughout the state.

8. Accredited Specialists

   Our entire firm is exclusively dedicated to criminal law – which makes us true specialists.

   All of our lawyers have years of experience representing clients in criminal cases, and our principal has been certified by the Law Society of NSW as an Accredited Criminal Law Specialist since 2005.

   An ‘Accredited Specialist’ is a lawyer who has practised for at least 5 years in a particular field of law (such as criminal law), has passed a rigorous assessment process conducted by the Law Society of NSW, and has been selected by the Specialist Accreditation Committee of the Law Society as an expert in the field.

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   Our firm’s specialist experience ensures you receive the best possible result, whatever your criminal law case may be.

9. Results-Focused Law Firm
   

   Our team is passionate about achieving results, and unlike many other law firms, our lawyers do not have monthly financial ‘budgets’ to meet.

   The absence of budgets means our lawyers are entirely focused on achieving optimal results in the shortest space of time; whether by getting charges dropped or downgraded at an early stage or having cases ‘thrown out of court’.

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10. Team of Lawyers Behind You
    

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11. Familiar with Magistrates and Judges
    

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12. Convenience
    

    We have offices in locations across the Sydney Metropolitan Area and beyond, including:

    • the Sydney CBD, on Castlereagh Street, directly opposite Downing Centre Court,
    • Parramatta, opposite the Justice Precinct carpark,
    • Liverpool, and
    • Sutherland.

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    If you are going to court and wish to arrange a free first consultation, call our 24 hour hotline on (02) 9261 8881 or send us an email at info@sydneycriminallawyers.com.au.