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 Wollongong Criminal Lawyers
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 for the purpose of being 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.
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.
Assault Lawyers 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 actually 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 a number of defences to charges of break/enter and/or theft.
Domestic Violence Lawyers Wollongong
Incidences of domestic violence are often prosecuted as assault or intimidation in Australian Courts. This is because no specific offence of domestic violence exists but courts do treat it differently, with the highest priority placed on the safety of the victim and sentencing of the offender comprising either a custodial sentence or supervision.
When someone breaches the conditions of an AVO by committing an act of violence, for example, the court must impose a custodial sentence.
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 in order 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.
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 which 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 Offences 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.
Criminal Lawyers Wollongong FAQ’S
Obtain independent legal advice, preferably before speaking with 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.
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.
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.
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.
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Wollongong
172-174 Keira St, Wollongong NSW 2500
