Coutts Awarded Highly Commended Best Business 2024
We are proud to announce that Coutts has been awarded the prestigious title of “Highly Commended Best Business 2024” by the Illawarra Women in Business (IWIB). Additionally, we were finalists for the “Outstanding Customer Focus” award, and our very own Partner Karena Nicholls was honoured as a finalist for “Business Woman of the Year.”
These accolades from IWIB, an organisation that celebrates fostering local business growth, underscore our dedication to providing exceptional legal services and client care. At Coutts, we are more than just your lawyers; we are your partners in navigating the complexities of the law with confidence and ease.
This recognition is a testament to our deep commitment to the community with our value at the core of what we do, Care, Communication and Clarity. Our team is dedicated to confidently guiding you with your legal rights and obligations to achieve the best results.
Multi Award-Winning
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Wollongong Criminal Lawyers
Being charged with a criminal offence has the potential to change the course of a person’s life. At Coutts Criminal Lawyers Wollongong, we have the expertise and experience to advocate for your interests in a range of areas, from assault charges to traffic offences. Good legal representation can make a huge difference in how your case plays out, so after reading through our areas of practice, make an appointment to discover how we can help you.
Speak With Our Criminal Law Experts
Receiving expert legal advice as early as possible is imperative in criminal matters. If you have been contacted by police, asked to attend the police station to be interviewed, or charged with an offence call Wollongong Criminal Lawyers without delay.
At Coutts Criminal Lawyers Wollongong, our team of Criminal Law experts will advocate on your behalf in all criminal matters.
We have extensive experience in providing effective representation and will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Speak with our Wollongong Criminal Law experts today to ensure your rights are protected and you have the best possible legal representation.
The Services Our Wollongong Lawyers Can Assist You with
Apprehended Violence Orders Lawyers Wollongong
Anyone can apply for an AVO if they believe there is the potential for, or actual, domestic violence. Most commonly they are taken out by one partner against another when the relationship has gone awry.
AVOs can be obtained from the court on application by the police on behalf of the person seeking protection, or by the person of their own volition if they are over 16 years of age.
There are serious implications for breaching the conditions of an AVO, including fines and possible imprisonment.
Learn More About Apprehended Violence OrdersContact Coutts Wollongong
Assault Charges Wollongong
This charge can encompass common assault, assaulting police, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and intentionally or recklessly causing grievous bodily harm. Physical contact with someone is not required for a person to be charged with assault, merely the apprehension by someone of unlawful violence against them may be enough to constitute assault.
Self-defence, necessity and duress are some of the defences to a charge of assault. It’s important to consult an experienced criminal lawyer if you face this charge as there are a number of elements that need to be proved in order to sustain the case against you.
Break and Enter/Theft Lawyers Wollongong
To be prosecuted for this offence it must be proved the entry to the premises was forcible and that the person charged committed, or intended to commit the offence. Additionally, it must be shown that a person charged with theft intended to permanently deprive the owner of the possession.
Our Criminal Lawyers Wollongong, can also raise several defences to charges of break/enter and/or theft.
Learn More About Break and Enter/Theft Contact Coutts Wollongong
Domestic Violence Lawyers Wollongong
A compensation claim under compulsory third party (CTP) insurance schemes in Australia can be made by drivers, passengers, pedestrians and cyclists who are involved in a road accident. The term vehicle can also encompass motorcycles, trucks, forklifts, trailers and farm equipment. Motor vehicle accident claims can be made for weekly payments to cover loss of income; medical expenses; other expenses such as expenses for personal care, transportation or domestic duties. A separate common law damages claim may also be possible, entitling the injured person to a lump sum where their injury is more than minor and they were not at fault in the accident.
Drug Offence Lawyers Wollongong
Drug offences can be complicated to understand because there is a range of possible charges depending on the substance involved, the amount involved, and the type of activity a person is being accused of – including possession, supply or dealing with the proceeds of crime.
Other elements that must be proved for a person to be prosecuted is that they had the prohibited drug in their possession and knew, or knew that it was likely to be, in their possession.
Expert legal representation will ensure the appropriate defences are raised in response to charges for drug offences.
Fraud Offence Lawyers Wollongong
The meaning of fraud is when property belonging to another person is obtained dishonestly or by deception, or where such behaviour results in a person’s financial advantage or causes financial disadvantage to another person.
‘Deception’ may be enacted by words or conduct and must carry an element of recklessness or intention. The penalty for this offence differs depending on whether it is heard in the local court, which may impose a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment, or up to 10 years imprisonment if heard in the District Court.
Possession of a Prohibited Weapon Wollongong
Using a prohibited weapon in NSW is only authorised under a permit. It’s otherwise an offence to use a prohibited weapon. Additionally, it’s an offence to use a weapon for a purpose not authorised under a permit. A maximum term of imprisonment of up to 14 years is possible for these offences.
At Coutts, our team can provide you with expert legal representation, and advice on the potential consequences of the charge, and help you to build a strong defence.
Learn More About Possession Of Prohibited Weapons Contact Coutts Wollongong
Robbery Lawyers Wollongong
There are a number of elements to be proved in regard to this offence, which involves the legal concepts of larceny and assault.
Specifically, it must be shown that the property belonged to someone other than the accused; that the property was taken and carried away; that the taking of the property was without the consent of its rightful owner; and that the property must be taken from the person of another; in the presence of another; and from the immediate personal care and protection of another.
It must also be shown there was an intention to permanently deprive the owner of the possession. Additionally, the property was taken by actual violence or in a manner that put the owner in fear of actual violence.
Sexual Offence Lawyers Wollongong
Consent is a topic that is currently in the national spotlight and is often central to charges of sexual offences. Any person who has sexual intercourse with another person without the consent of the other person, and knows that the other person does not consent to the sexual intercourse, can be imprisoned for up to 14 years.
Important elements in providing the offences include showing that a person knew the victim did not consent to the sexual activity, that the person was reckless as to whether the other person consented to the sexual activity, or that the person has no reasonable grounds for believing that the alleged victim consents to the sexual activity.
Traffic Offence Lawyers Wollongong
The day-to-day consequences of being unable to drive are severe for most people, potentially impacting their employment and livelihood.
It’s important, therefore, for people facing traffic offences to avail themselves of expert legal help. By doing so, their options in terms of punishment will likely be expanded as the Courts in NSW have a broad range of penalties at their disposal, such as fines, imprisonment, suspension of licence, community corrections orders and more.
Where is Coutts Wollongong Office?
- 1300 268 887
- info@couttslegal.com.au
- 172-174 Keira Street, Wollongong NSW 2500
Please send us your enquiry and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
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What to Expect with Coutts Lawyers
Step 1: Initial Contact
Reach out to Coutts Lawyers via our website, phone, or in person. Briefly describe your matter.
Step 2: Consultation Appointment
Schedule and attend a meeting with a Coutts lawyer to discuss the specifics of your matter and desired outcomes.
Step 3: Information & Legal Advice
Share all related documents and information. Your lawyer will review everything, clarify aspects as needed, and then advise on the best action course.
Step 4: Action Plan Development
Based on the advice, an appropriate action plan will be formulated. This may involve communication, documentation processes, or further legal steps.
Step 5: Implementation
Execute the action plan, addressing a range of legal scenarios as necessary.
Step 6: Resolution & Closure
Navigate towards a resolution, with the path determined by the nature of the matter. Your Lawyer will outline any final actions or considerations.
Book Your Wollongong Consultation Now
Criminal Lawyers Wollongong FAQ’S
Obtain independent legal advice, preferably before speaking with the Police or participating in an electronically recorded interview.
It is important to obtain legal advice for any criminal offence. Criminal law is a complex area of the law that should be handled by a Lawyer with experience in the area. Criminal Lawyers understand the elements of each offence (what the Police will need to prove to secure a conviction) and can provide advice as to your options. Even if you plead guilty to the offence, Criminal Lawyers are also experienced in determining whether there are mitigating factors that should be brought to the Court’s attention and present your matter to the Court so that all relevant factors are taken into consideration.
Breaching an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) is a criminal offence. If you are found guilty of breaching an AVO, the consequences can be serious. You may face penalties including fines, community service orders, or even imprisonment. The maximum penalty for breaching an AVO is two years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $5,500. Additionally, breaching an AVO can have a significant impact on your criminal record and may affect future court proceedings or employment opportunities. If you are accused of breaching an AVO, it is essential to seek legal advice as soon as possible to understand your rights and options.
Assault charges can range from common assault to actual bodily harm, grievous bodily harm, and sexual assault. Each charge has varying levels of severity and potential penalties.
Break and enter charges can result in serious penalties, including imprisonment. The severity of the penalty depends on factors such as the circumstances of the offence, prior criminal history, and whether any property was stolen or damaged.
Domestic violence refers to violent, abusive, or intimidating behaviour in a relationship. It can be physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological. The police and courts take domestic violence seriously, and various support services are available for victims.
Drug offences include possession, supply, cultivation, importation, and manufacture of prohibited drugs. Penalties vary depending on the type and quantity of drugs involved, as well as the offender’s criminal history.
Fraud involves dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage or causing financial loss to another person. Penalties for fraud can include fines, community service orders, or imprisonment, depending on the severity and circumstances of the offence.
In NSW, possessing a prohibited weapon without a permit is illegal and can result in serious penalties, including imprisonment. Prohibited weapons include certain firearms, knives, and other dangerous items.
Robbery involves the use of force or the threat of force to steal property from someone. Theft, on the other hand, involves taking someone’s property without their consent but without the use of force.
Sexual offences in NSW include sexual assault, indecent assault, and acts of indecency. Penalties for sexual offences vary depending on the nature and severity of the offence and can range from fines to lengthy imprisonment terms.
Common traffic offences include speeding, drink driving, using a mobile phone while driving, and driving without a valid licence. Penalties can range from fines and demerit points to licence suspension or disqualification, depending on the offence and prior history.
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