News
Preparing for Prison
The basis of the advice we give to clients preparing for prison, the insights that have been shared by clients past and present, are outlined in this article. In the first episode of Orange is the New Black, the protagonist, Piper Chapman, is taken into custody at a...
Committal Hearings: What to expect and how to make the most of them
When a person is charged with an indictable offence that cannot be prosecuted in the summary stream of the Magistrates’ Court, the charge (or charges) will proceed through the indictable stream of the Magistrates’ Court. These kinds of matters are the more serious...
Preparing Documents for Court: The Dangers of Relying on False Material
It should go without saying that court proceedings are serious proceedings and should be treated as such. Every day, individuals rely upon documents in court for a number of reasons. They may rely on documents, such as lawyer letters, to request an adjournment of a...
Dealing with Unpaid Infringement Notices through Fines Victoria
The enforcement of infringements in Victoria is governed under the Infringements Act 2006 (‘the Act’). Fines Victoria is the relevant government agency that deals with infringement notices pursuant to the Act. If you have recently become aware of unpaid infringement...
Suspension of Solar Victoria Retailers from the Solar Homes Program
Workplace related crime and occupational health and safety offences are being dealt with in an increasingly serious manner in recent times. Given the regulatory environments that different occupations operate within, the impact of prosecutions for breaches of...
International Extraditions: A Ready Reckoner
Since a suspect has been arrested overseas in relation to the murder of two women in Easy Street, Collingwood, in 1977 (the ‘Easy Street Murders’), there has been a public interest in international extradition and how that operates in Australia. At Galbally Parker...
Understanding Customs Offences, Defences and the Customs Act Infringement Notice Scheme
Customs Offences can be complicated to wrap your head around. This article will (hopefully) make things easier. Customs Act Offences Customs related offences are those within the Customs Act 1901 (Cth). The main offences under the legislation include smuggling,...
Victoria’s New Non-Fatal Strangulation Laws
In late 2023 the Victorian Parliament introduced the Crimes Amendment (Non-fatal Strangulation) Bill, which is expected to come into effect on 13 October 2024. The purpose of this new legislation, colloquially known as ‘Joy’s Law’, is to address a significant gap...
Key Insights on Working With Children Check Exclusions
Being investigated for, or charged with, a criminal offence can sometimes have unintended consequences. One of those consequences includes the loss of a Working With Children Check. This can have a serious impact on your career or volunteer work, if it involves...
Victoria Firearms and Control of Weapons (Machetes) Amendment Bill 2024
The Victorian Government has recently passed legislation amending the Firearms Act 1996 and the Control of Weapons Act 1990. The Firearms and Control of Weapons (Machetes) Amendment Bill 2024 (Vic) primarily seeks to enhance the powers of Victoria Police in issuing...