The New Laws on Mental Health in the Criminal Justice System: The Diversionary Pathway
There is an available legislative framework for a NSW court to determine criminal proceedings where the accused or defendant has mental health issues relevant to the case. This legislative framework is echoed in The Mental Health (Forensic Provisions) Act 1990 (NSW) (‘The Act’). It is a response to the increasing contact with the criminal ...continue reading
The Penalties for Hoon Driving in NSW
By Sahar Adatia and Jimmy Singh. On 11 April 2020, New South Wales police made the appalling discovery of 40 cars within a closed area west of Newcastle that had gathered for the purpose of burnouts and street racing, much to the defiance also of COVID-19 restrictions on social gatherings. At around 4pm on ...continue reading
How Does COVID-19 Affect Bail Applications in NSW?
By Fouad Awada and Jimmy Singh. On 30 March 2020, the Supreme Court of New South Wales handed down a decision granting conditional bail to Mr Abdul Rakielbakhour who was accused and charged with serious domestic violence charges. Mr Rakielbakhour was arrested and charged with common assault and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, alleged ...continue reading
COVID-19 – Key Changes Made by District Courts Affecting all Criminal and Traffic Cases in NSW
From 30 March 2020, the District Court have implemented a number of changes to the way in which criminal cases are heard during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to remain up to date as arrangements are likely to continue to change. If you have a criminal matter in the District Court currently, please ...continue reading
How COVID-19 is Affecting NSW Local Court Cases in Australia
Taking affect Monday, 30 March 2020, a number of key changes have been made to the way in which NSW Local Court matters are to be dealt with during the COVID-19 pandemic. On 24 March 2020, the New South Wales Chief Magistrate, Judge Graham Henson AM, released a Memorandum regarding some of the key ...continue reading
What is a Criminal Lawyers’ Role?
Criminal lawyers represent people from all walks of life. Unfortunately, movies and TV shows have portrayed criminal lawyers in a bad light, prompting members of the public asking the question criminal lawyers get asked too often, “but how can you defend a criminal?”, or “how can you defend a guilty person?”. Too often we ...continue reading
Law, Penalties & Defences for Furious or Reckless Driving in NSW
By Sahar Adatia and Jimmy Singh. Road rage is a phenomenon that is no longer new and becoming manifested in increasingly aggressive ways. Understood as the deviant and furious behaviour of a motorist due to their loss of emotional control, the antisocial behaviour has today surpassed simply honking the car horn or demonstrating a ...continue reading
What is the Law on Wearing a Helmet for Motorcycle Riders in NSW?
By Sahar Adatia and Jimmy Singh. Most of us know that sinking, stomach-clenching feeling of realising you’re about to be booked for a traffic fine. But imagine if you got fined twice for the exact same offence. Within 30 minutes. It’s safe to say there’d be a lot cursing and indeed a lot of ...continue reading
Is it Legal to Make a Citizen’s Arrest in NSW?
It is reported that a man with a large knife in Sydney CBD has allegedly attempted to stab people on Tuesday. Causing the Sydney CBD to go into lockdown, the incident unfolded close to the corner of Clarence and King Street when a man who was reportedly armed with a machete went on a ...continue reading
How to Avoid a Licence Suspension for a Speeding Fine in NSW
By Sahar Adatia and Jimmy Singh. It doesn’t take much to work out that if you’re going to speed on the road and you get caught, you’re going to cop a weighty fine and lose a bunch of demerit points. Indeed, few things sting as much as getting slapped with a speeding ticket and ...continue reading