Speeding and other serious driving offences
At the first appointment we can advise you of:
- The range of penalties;
- The prospects of keeping your licence;
- The impact upon your demerit points;
- Your rights of appeal against a subsequent loss of licence through the accumulation of demerit points;
- The relevant matters which might influence the Magistrate in understanding the circumstances and exercising his discretion to impose a penalty at the lower of end of the scale and view the events in the most favourable light.
We are then able to represent you in a cost effective manner at the Court.
Drink driving – drive with prescribed concentration of alcohol (PCA)
At the first appointment we can advise you of:
- The range of penalties;
- The prospects of keeping your licence;
- The automatic, maximum and minimum licence disqualification that applies in your case;
- The relevant matters which might influence the Magistrate in understanding the circumstances and exercising his discretion to impose a penalty at the lower of end of the scale and view the events in the most favourable light.
We are then able to represent you in a cost effective manner at the Court, in many cases on a fixed fee basis.
Assault and other offences
If you are apprehended by the police and charged with assault or similar offence, we can:
- Review the evidence with you, and the police case against you;
- Negotiate with the police to down-grade or withdraw the charge against you;
- Discuss with you any defences that might be available and prospects of success;
- Advise you of the cost of representation;
- Advise you of the range of penalties you face, and how to put the best case to the Court on the question of your penalty.
Apprehended Violence Orders
An Apprehended Violence Orders (AVO) is also known as a restraining order. This can either be:
- An Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) or;
- An Apprehended Personal Violence Order (APVO).
An APVO usually arises from disputes among neighbours and work colleagues and can involve such issues as noise/construction complaints, harassment and so on.
Whether seeking or defending an AVO there are risks such as being required by a Court to pay the other party’s legal costs. This is where legal advice is critical.
Being subject to an AVO is not a criminal offence – but breaking it is. Breaching it can carry 2 years imprisonment and/or a $5,500.00 fine. You may have to tell your employer if you are subject to an AVO.
An AVO bans the carrying of fire arms and can affect the duties of police, security guards and defence force personnel.
Timely advice regarding AVO’s can save costs, embarrassment and even your career.