Articles

The conditions of an apprehended violence order (AVO) are designed to protect a person from another person.   Apprehended domestic violence orders (ADVOs) govern domestic relationships such as an intimate partner, family member or a person you are living with. Apprehended personal violence orders (APVOs) refer to other relationships such as neighbours, acquaintances and fellow […]

The recent introduction of a lapsing interim Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders – known as a lapsing AVO – has provided a new avenue for AVOs to be dismissed. However, the new scheme does not operate in all courts. It is currently being tested and if found to be effective, is likely to be extended to […]

New Anti-Hate Laws have come into effect after both houses of parliament passed legislation last week. The Criminal Code Amendment (Hate Crimes) Bill 2025 creates new criminal offences and increases maximum penalties for a number of existing offences. It also introduces mandatory minimum sentences for hate crimes. This reflects a departure from the Labour party’s usual […]

In the year between October 2023 and September 2024, New South Wales recorded a staggering 93,500 crimes against individuals. Alarmingly, half (51.3%) of these incidents occurred under the cover of darkness, between 6 PM and 6 AM. These chilling statistics underscore the importance of nighttime personal safety.  In this research, we analysed data from the […]

No one likes to receive an fine or infringement notice. But in some circumstances, you may be able to avoid the cost and demerit points. This can be done by requesting a review of the infringement notice. There are a number of circumstances in which you can request a review. There are also guidelines covering which […]

It is one of the most common situations faced by drivers, so it comes as no surprise that lawyers often are asked how to beat a demerit point suspension in NSW. The answer will depend on the type of licence you have. There are different avenues for provisional drivers as opposed to full licence holders. […]

When an accused person is charged with an offence and has their liberty restricted, a common question that arises is how to vary bail conditions. You can vary bail conditions by filing an application with the court and providing the prosecution and the court sufficient notice. What is a bail variation? A bail variation is […]

Strip search laws in NSW are governed under the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 (‘LEPRA’). There are strict requirements that officers must follow. Recent statistics about strip searches have shown that a significant number of strip searches are conducted unlawfully by police. If a strip search has been conducted unlawfully on you, then […]

The offence of knowingly displaying Nazi symbol in public without a reasonable excuse is contained in Section 93ZA of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW). Astor Legal are the only firm in Australia who have successfully defended against these charges. Contact us online or call us on (02) 7804 2823 if you have been charged with a […]

In Australia, the right to remain silent is an important legal safeguard, though it differs from the well-known Miranda Rights in the United States. Common law and legislation in Australia set out that refusing to answer police questions generally cannot be used against you. However, there are some exceptions in serious criminal matters. If police […]