Sydney Criminal Lawyers Blog

17/05/2013

How Much is Bail, and Other Common Questions
If you have been charged with a criminal offence and you are facing a court case, you may be given the option of being released on bail until the matter is finalised.

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16/05/2013

What is the act of Common Assault?
Common assault is defined by Section 61 of the Crimes Act. There are a number of different assault charges under the act, ranging in severity from common assault to causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

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15/05/2013

Tips for Working with Criminal Lawyers in Sydney
Once you have decided on the right firm of criminal lawyers in Sydney, you need to make sure the particular lawyer you are going to work with is experienced in defending cases like yours.

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14/05/2013

What the Law Says About Soliciting in Massage Parlours in Sydney
Soliciting in massage parlours in Sydney is considered a summary offence, which means there is a maximum prison term of three months. As it is a summary offence, the matter is generally dealt with in the local court in front of a magistrate, rather than before a judge and jury in a higher court.

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13/05/2013

Caught Drink Driving the Day After? Drink Driving Lawyers Can Help
Even though you probably think you are in a suitable condition to drive the morning after a big night out, you can still be over the limit, without even realising it.

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10/05/2013

What Is the Difference Between Criminal Barristers, and Solicitors?
The term ‘lawyer’ is often used interchangeably to describe the role of criminal barristers, solicitors, magistrates and judges, so what are the differences?

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9/05/2013

Can I Appeal a Subpoena in NSW?
There are a few circumstances where it may be considered reasonable to request that the court sets aside a subpoena that has been served.

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8/05/2013

Which Court Will My Indecent Assault Charges Be Heard In?
Which court indecent assault charges will be heard in depends on the circumstances, and the personal preference of the defendant.

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7/05/2013

What are the Regulations for a Dangerous Dog Enclosure?
If your dog has been declared a dangerous dog you will need to adhere to certain regulations, including ensuring it is kept in an enclosure that meets certain standards and complies with rules about size, materials and construction.

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6/05/2013

Home Detention NSW; Conditions and Requirements
Home detention can be a penalty for a number of criminal offences in NSW. Home detention is offered as an alternative to a jail sentence.

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3/05/2013

Enforced disappearance as a crime against humanity
Enforced disappearance is defined as the arrest, detainment or abduction of one or more persons. To be classified as a crime against humanity, there are certain factors that need to be present when the crime is committed.

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2/05/2013

Arraignment: District Court NSW
If you have been charged with an offence and are due to have the matter dealt with in the district court, arraignment will be your first court appearance.

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1/05/2013

What are the Steps for Successful AVO Cases, NSW?
If you want to have the best possible outcome in your AVO application, there are a few steps you can take to ensure you present the strongest case you can.

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30/04/2013

How Can a Mid-Range Drink Driving Conviction Impact You?
Although a mid-range drink driving conviction is not as serious as a high range drink driving conviction, there are still harsh penalties associated with being found guilty of this offence.

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29/04/2013

How to Appeal a Court Decision; Making an Application for Annulment
An application for annulment is made when a sentence is imposed by the local court, without the defendant being present. If you disagree with a decision that was made in your absence, you can apply to have it set aside, and the judge will re-consider.

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26/04/2013

Going Out on Your Own as a Criminal Defence Lawyer Part Two
Ten tips for those looking to start their own criminal defence firm Part 2: Tips 4 - 6

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26/04/2013

R v Rondo - Reasonable Suspicion Explained
Contrary to popular belief, police officers are not allowed to just randomly search people, vehicles and premises for drugs, unless they have a good reason to believe that someone is in possession of an illegal substance.

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25/04/2013

What are the Penalties for Drug Possession?
If you are convicted of drug possession, the charges you face will vary, depending on the quantity and type of drugs, and whether or not you have any prior drug-related convictions.

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24/04/2013

Telling the Truth in Court: Penalties under the Crimes Act for Perjury
If you are involved in a judicial proceeding, whether as the defendant or a witness, you will be required to take an oath promising to tell the truth. If it is later discovered that you did not tell the truth, you can be charged with perjury, a criminal offence that carries harsh penalties.

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24/04/2013

Going Out on Your Own as a Criminal Defence Lawyer
Ten basic tips for employed criminal lawyers looking to start their own practice. Part 1: Tips 1 to 3.

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23/04/2013

Which Court is the Best Choice: Local Court, or Higher Court?
If you are facing charges, in many cases, you will have no choice over which court deals with the matter. But there are a number of offences where you can elect to have your case heard in either the local court, or the higher courts.

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22/04/2013

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of a Jury Trial?
Being tried by a magistrate and being tried by a jury are very different trial experiences, each with their own set of advantages and disadvantages.

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19/04/2013

How Do I Apply for a Legal Aid Criminal Lawyer?
If you have been charged with a criminal offence, and you can’t afford to pay for private representation, you can apply for grant of legal aid from Legal Aid NSW.

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18/04/2013

How Traffic Lawyers in Sydney Can Help Get Your Licence Back
Losing your driving licence can have a serious impact on your employment prospects and lifestyle. If you have had your licence suspended, or you have been disqualified from driving, it is possible in some circumstances to appeal and successfully get your licence back.

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17/04/2013

Is it Possible to Get an AVO Dismissed?
If you disagree with an AVO made against you, you can tell the magistrate at the first hearing, and the matter will then be adjourned till a later date. This will give you time to obtain legal advice, and prepare your case.

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16/04/2013

Sentencing Sex Offenders
The sentencing laws around sex offences are complicated, and the severity of a sentence depends on a range of factors including the nature of the offence, steps towards rehabilitation and whether the person who committed it is believed to be likely to reoffend.

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15/04/2013

Section 308H of the Crimes Act: Computer Hacking and High-Tech Offences
Computer crime is a broad area of law that covers a number of different high-tech criminal activities, including computer fraud, unauthorised access to information, and hacking.

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15/04/2013

Sydney Criminal Lawyers - the criminal lawyers others follow
Innovations by Sydney Criminal Lawyers have been followed by many other law firms - including published fixed fees, published results & testimonials, a 2000 page criminal law website & regular blogs - making information about criminal and traffic law freely available to everyone.

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11/04/2013

What should you do if you’re caught drink driving?
Drink driving is a serious traffic offence. If you are caught drink driving you can face harsh penalties, depending on the amount of alcohol found in your system at the time.

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9/04/2013

What is the Inclosed Lands Protection Act?
The Inclosed Lands Protection Act is designed to prevent trespassing, and you can be charged under this act if you have been found to be unlawfully on ‘inclosed land’ or a ‘prescribed premises’ or behaving in a manner that constitutes offensive conduct.

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8/04/2013

How the Innocence Project is Helping Those Wrongly Convicted of a Crime
These days, DNA evidence is being used not only to convict people of crimes, but also to exonerate some of those who have been wrongly convicted in the past, with the help of the Innocence Project.

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5/04/2013

What Happens During Arraignment? NSW Court Process in the Spotlight
If you have been charged with an offence which has gone to the District or Supreme Court, you will be required to attend court to hear your charges, and plead guilty, or not guilty. This process is known as arraignment. NSW courts allow you to represent yourself, but it is a good idea to at least obtain advice from an experienced criminal lawyer before deciding whether to plead guilty or not guilty.

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4/04/2013

What is a Good Behaviour Bond? NSW Penalty Explained
If you have been charged with a criminal or traffic offence in NSW, a good behaviour bond is one of the potential penalties you face. So its important to understand what a good behaviour bond is and what conditions you might need to meet in order to avoid further consequences.

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3/04/2013

How do I get a Section 10 Dismissal?
Gaining a section 10 dismissal means you avoid having a criminal conviction recorded against you, and you won’t face imprisonment, be fined or lose your licence, where applicable.

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28/03/2013

What is the Summary Offences Act NSW?
Here is a brief explanation of the offences that come under the Summary Offences Act NSW, how summary offences are dealt with, and the possible penalties you face.

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27/03/2013

Police pursuit and Skye’s Law
Skye’s Law is an amendment to the Crimes Act, and is part of the legislation governing police pursuits and reckless driving.

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26/03/2013

Do you need a proceeds of crime defence?
Are you facing charges of dealing in the proceeds of crime? Dealing in the proceeds of crime, also known as money laundering, is a serious criminal offence with severe penalties, including imprisonment.

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23/03/2013

No More Right to Silence 1 - Police Questioning
The NSW Government has done away with the Right to Silence - a centuries-old fundamental pillar of the criminal justice system and right of individuals.

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22/03/2013

Facing criminal charges in NSW? Contact a lawyer. Sydney based lawyers can be key to state cases
The first thing you need to do if you have been charged with a criminal offence is contact a lawyer. Sydney based lawyers are a good idea when you are dealing with the NSW court system, as the laws and procedures vary from state to state.

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20/03/2013

Have you been caught street racing? Sydney laws now tougher than before
Street racing is a serious driving offence, which can lead to you losing your licence, or vehicle, or even ending up in prison. So its important to obtain advice and representation from criminal lawyers experienced in street racing cases.

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18/03/2013

Sydney Criminal Lawyers’ success in defending fraud charges
In a recent case defended by Sydney Criminal Lawyers and publicised in the media, Salvation Army executive received a suspended sentence despite defrauding the Salvation Army of over $140,000

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17/03/2013

Is it fair to keep sex offenders in prison beyond their sentence if they've done nothing wrong during their sentence?
Continuing detention orders and continuing supervision orders under the Crimes (Serious Sex Offenders) Act 2006 (NSW)

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15/03/2013

What are the penalties for an offensive language offence?
Offensive language offences fall under the Summary Offences Act, and they are considered criminal offences. If you have been charged with one of these offences, you will need to seek legal representation.

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13/03/2013

Accused of a reckless driving offence? Driving lawyers can help
Reckless driving is one of a number of common types of traffic offences, which come with a range of penalties and fines, depending on the severity of the offence and the circumstances surrounding it.

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12/03/2013

Negligent driving court imposed fines
There are a number of penalties you face if you are charged with negligent driving though court imposed fines are the most common penalty.

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10/03/2013

What are the criminal fines for assault charges in NSW?
If you have committed a criminal offence such as assault there are a range of different penalties you face, including community service, good behaviour bonds, criminal fines, or even prison.

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8/03/2013

Police assault young man at Mardi Gras
Another example of police violence. But what will be done about it?

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8/03/2013

What happens in Supreme Court trials: From arraignment to the defence barrister closing speech
Here is a brief overview of some of the things that are likely to happen if your case is heard in the NSW Supreme Court.

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7/03/2013

With so many criminal law firms to choose from, how do you find the right one?
When you are looking for a criminal law firm, make sure you choose one with well respected, experienced and skilled criminal lawyers.

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4/03/2013

I have received a subpoena from NSW police, what do I have to do?
A subpoena is issued by the court and requires you to attend court. It is a legal document stating what you need to do, and what documents you might need to bring.

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1/03/2013

Common defences to basic assault charges
If you have been charged with assault, it is important to seek legal representation to help you decide the best defence according to your circumstances, and help you gather the evidence to support your case.

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28/02/2013

What is a guilty plea discount?
When charged with a criminal offence, you might be able to obtain a discount on your overall sentence by pleading guilty early on. This is known as a guilty plea discount.

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27/02/2013

What is negligent driving?
There are a number of negligent driving offences, ranging in severity. Depending on the offence, penalties can include disqualification, to prison sentences.

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26/02/2013

Being arrested in NSW - what can and can’t the police do?
When you are arrested in NSW, there are certain procedures the police must follow. If they fail to do so, any evidence they try to bring against you might be disregarded in court.

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25/02/2013

A guide to criminal law - reckless dishonesty and fraud charges
If you have been charged with fraud, it is important that you seek advice from a criminal lawyer who is experienced in dealing with fraud cases.

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23/02/2013

Are there any ways to avoid penalties for drug possession?
An additional article about defending charges of drug possession, and getting 'section 10s' (guilty but no conviction)

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23/02/2013

A quick guide to NSW bail laws

A basic outline about bail in NSW

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15/02/2013

Are you in trouble for drug possession? Sydney Criminal Lawyers can help
Have you been recently charged with drug possession? If so, seeking legal representation from an experienced drug defence lawyer is essential.

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14/02/2013

Prohibited plants and the law
Although many people are aware that the growing and cultivation of some plants is illegal, there is a certain amount of confusion as to what is acceptable in terms of the law.

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10/02/2013

Choosing the right criminal lawyers in Sydney for your legal aid case
Legal Aid can sometimes pay private criminal lawyers to undertake criminal cases for eligible persons. This is an article about how to secure outstanding legal representation despite being on Centrelink, a low income or in custody.

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2/02/2013

How Criminal Lawyers in Sydney can deliver a superior defence in criminal cases
An article about how experience, specialisation and cutting-edge legal research can help deliver superior results

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28/01/2013

How to get a private AVO (Apprehended Violence Order)
An article about the steps to get a private AVO

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22/01/2013

Is it legal to carry pepper spray or mace?
An article about whether carrying pepper spray or other irritants is legal.

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25/12/2012

Can I get a visa to USA if I have a criminal record?
An article about travel visas to the USA

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25/12/2012

Will I have to pay compensation for a criminal offence?
An article about how defendants can be ordered to pay compensation for crimes

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30/10/2012

New Laws on Using Mobile Phones When Driving
An article about the new rules for using mobile phones when driving

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24/10/2012

How to Beat a Drink Driving Charge
An article about the main defences to 'drink driving'

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7/10/2012

How to Avoid a Criminal Conviction for Drug Possession or Supply
How to get a 'section 10' (no conviction) for drug offences

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29/09/2012

Reducing Reoffending - Part of a Criminal Lawyer's Duty
A Criminal Lawyer's job is not just to 'get clients off', but to assist them to address any underlying issues and thereby reduce the likelihood of future offending

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20/09/2012

Getting Criminal Charges Dropped
A basic 5 step guide to getting criminal charges withdrawn.

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19/09/2012

'Good Behaviour Licences' for Drink Driving... On the Horizon?
Good Behaviour Licences as alternatives to licence disqualifications and 'Section 10s' without conditions.

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18/09/2012

Best Criminal Lawyers?
3 attributes that set Sydney Criminal Lawyers apart from other criminal lawyers

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17/09/2012

Criminal Lawyers and Civil Libertarians Criticise Heavy-Handed Police
An article about the Police response to a demonstration by Muslims in Sydney

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18/08/2012

Criminal Lawyers Against Proposed Dilution of 'Right to Silence'
An article about NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell's proposal to 'water-down' an accused person's Right to Silence

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8/08/2012

Should there be Quality Standards for Criminal Lawyers?
An article about whether criminal lawyers should be required to have a certain level of experience and a limited case-load when dealing with people's lives.

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2/08/2012

What is the Penalty for Mid Range Drink Driving?
An article on the penalties applicable to driving with a mid range pca

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2/08/2012

What is the Penalty for High Range Drink Driving?
An article on the penalties for driving with a high range pca

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28/07/2012

What is the Penalty for Low Range Drink Driving?
An article about the penalties for driving with a low range pca

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22/07/2012

Is Drug Purity Relevant?
An article about whether the pure weight or gross weight is relevant in drug charges.

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22/07/2012

Can I Drive once my Disqualification Period has Expired?
An article about driving after expiry of licence disqualification

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22/07/2012

Sex Offence Prosecutions - to proceed or not to proceed
An article on when charges will be brought and continued for sex offences

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21/07/2012

What is an 'Accredited Specialist'?
Aren't all lawyers 'Accredited'? The answer is No. The Law Society of NSW only Certifies a small portion of Lawyers as 'Accredited Specialists' in a particular field of Law. This is an article about what sets an Accredited Specialist apart

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21/07/2012

Can I Appeal the Suspension of my Good Behaviour Licence?
An article outlining appeals against probationary licences

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21/07/2012

Is it legal to give alcohol to a minor?
An article about whether drinking in the home by a minor is illegal

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21/07/2012

What is a 'Dangerous Dog'?
An article outlining the defninition of 'dangerous dog' under the Companion Animals Act 1998

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21/07/2012

Sniffer Dogs and 'Reasonable Suspicion'
An article about whether an indication by a sniffer dog is sufficient to ground a reasonable suspicion for a search

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21/07/2012

How to get a 'Section 10' for Drink Driving.
How to get no conviction or disqualification for drink driving

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18/07/2012

How long after an incident can a criminal charge be brought?
An article on limitation periods for criminal offences

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12/07/2012

Reversing a Guilty Plea
An article on the law relating to changing a plea of 'guilty' to a plea of 'not guilty'

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28/05/2012

Will a Criminal Record Affect My Visa?
An article about the potential impact of a criminal conviction upon temporary visa applicants and holders.

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Recent Blog Posts

17/05/2013 - How Much is Bail, and Other Common Questions

16/05/2013 - What is the act of Common Assault?

15/05/2013 - Tips for Working with Criminal Lawyers in Sydney

14/05/2013 - What the Law Says About Soliciting in Massage Parlours in Sydney

13/05/2013 - Caught Drink Driving the Day After? Drink Driving Lawyers Can Help
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