The Drug Court of New South Wales (NSW) is an innovative and specialised jurisdiction focused on addressing the underlying issues of drug dependency in offenders. It is not for just those persons charged with Supply Prohibited Drugs and incorporate a wide range of offending. Established as an alternative to the traditional criminal justice system, the […]
Avoiding a Criminal Conviction with a Section 10 Order – What You Need to Know (NSW)
If you are facing criminal charges, you will likely be worried about the implication of a criminal record and how it may limit your opportunities in life. A criminal conviction can affect current and future employment, your ability to travel, and the capacity to secure finance in the future. For those accused of an offence […]
Understanding what a Plea in Mitigation means
If a person pleads “guilty” in a criminal case there will be an opportunity to address the Court before sentencing. This oral address is made, usually by the offenders lawyer, in an endeavor to ensure the minimum sentence possible in the circumstances and to assist the Court in sentencing the offender. The representations made by […]
The importance of character references in a Court case
If you know someone who is being sentenced in Court and they ask you for a character reference do you know what to do? The purpose of a character reference for a person who has pleaded guilty to a criminal or traffic matter is to bring to the Court’s attention details of good character about […]
Interlock Orders in NSW
Interlock orders in NSW is an order made by the court when a person is sentenced to an alcohol of alcohol related driving offence, such as drinking driving (PCA). The interlock order typically follows a period of suspension or disqualification and requires participation in the program for a period of time. The period of time […]
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 […]