Crime Commission | Crime Commission Lawyers

Officers of the Crime Commission are empowered to seize property they believe to be 'tainted' (ie derived from or used in crime) and to apply to the Supreme Court of NSW for 'property restraining orders' and for the forfeiture of property; which can lead to the loss of a person's home, car, money or other property.

Unlike police, the Crime Commission is also empowered to require 'persons of interest' to answer questions about alleged criminal activity even if those answers might incriminate the person. In other words, there is only a limited 'right to silence' and 'privilege against self-incrimination' at the Crime Commission.

Considering the broad power of the Crime Commission, it is vitally important to seek the advice and representation of experts in these matters if you are required to attend the Crime Commission for questioning. The Lawyers at Sydney Criminal Lawyers regularly appear at the Crime Commission to assist clients under questioning. We know when to object and how to protect clients against the potentially disastrous consequences of disclosing information they are not legally required to disclose. Equally, Sydney Criminal Lawyers can advise clients to answer questions which, if not accurately answered, might lead to prosecutions for perjury or contempt of court.

Sydney Criminal Lawyers is also uniquely experienced in defending clients against Supreme Court Applications brought by the Commission. We regularly prepare financial statements and appear at Supreme Court Examination Hearings; which are hearings to determine whether a person's assets are legitimately derived. Sydney Criminal Lawyers has successfully defended Supreme Court Applications for forfeiture of property and have a mutually respectful relationship with Commission officers; which assists our clients in obtaining optimal results and reducing the prospect of criminal prosecutions.