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...
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...
Unexplained Wealth Restraining Orders under the Confiscation Act 1997 (Vic)
Restraining orders in Victoria are governed under the Confiscation Act 1997 (Vic) (‘the Act’). In this blog, we will help you understand what these orders are and the purposes for which they are made. We will also break down unexplained wealth restraining orders, as...
Going to Court for the First Time
If you have been summonsed to Court for the first time, you may be justifiably nervous and unsure about what to do when you go to court for the first time. Criminal lawyers go to court all the time and sometimes we forget that, for others, it is a completely new and...
Mandatory Men’s Behaviour Change Programs
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the complex and sensitive issues surrounding family violence. As the community strives towards greater gender equality and safety, one critical aspect of this effort involves providing effective support for...
Crime in the Spotlight: Criminal Matters & the Media
Criminal matters running through the Court have always attracted media attention. Crime is a hot topic in the media and, if you attend Court, you will see journalists in Court taking notes or outside Court filming for the news. Journalists can report on anything said...
The Reality of Going to Trial: 6 Facts You May Not Know
Every day, accused people stand trial in front of a jury of their peers, who are charged with delivering a verdict on their guilt. It is a nerve-wracking time for an accused person and, in all likelihood, they have never gone through the process before. Listed below...