The NSW Government has initiated a new offence under the Roads and Crimes Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 to form a part of the Roads Act 1993. These offences are designed to target protest behaviour with more severe punishments for impeding major roads and facilities. While both offences must be reviewed by the minister in two […]
Spent Convictions in NSW
Spent Convictions, What are they? A spent conviction is a scheme where after a period known as the ‘waiting period’ or ‘crime-free period’ a conviction is ‘spent’. The waiting period in NSW and for commonwealth offence is a period of 10 years as an adult and 3 years otherwise. Where an offence is capable of […]
I have a Criminal Infringement Notice CIN what should I do?
What is a Criminal Infringement Notice or CIN? A Criminal Infringement Notice or CIN is essentially an infringement notice or a ‘on the spot’ fine or ticket for certain offences. Is a CIN a criminal conviction? A CIN is not a matter that will automatically result in a recording of a criminal conviction, UNLESS you […]
Common protest related offences
There are a number of offences that Police will use where they are faced with a protest, large scale gathering and/or public assembly. The most common offences when dealing with protests are: Obstructing traffic A person, without a reasonable excuse (proof of which lies on the accused), cannot prevent the free passage of a person […]
MERIT Program
The Magistrate Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) is a pre-sentencing diversion initiative that targets adult defendants with illicit drug use issues who are motivated to undertake rehabilitation. It is designed to allow eligible defendants to engage in supervised drug treatment as part of their bail conditions. Purpose of the MERIT Program The primary goals of […]
Should I agree to an AVO? Consequences of an AVO
What is an AVO? An AVO or Apprehended Domestic/Personal Violence Order is an order from Police and/or the courts prohibiting certain behaviour with the aim of to protecting the Person in Need of Protection (PINOP). How long does an AVO last for? An AVO lasts for a specific period of time or as long […]