Articles

One of the most common enquiries domestic violence lawyers receive is from defendants and protected persons wanting to vary an AVO. An Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) is a court order that is made to protect a person from the violence, harassment, intimidation or other threatening behaviour of another person. In its simplest form, an AVO […]

The question of how to beat an AVO is one that lawyers answer almost daily. This is unsurprising given an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) can have a devastating effect on yourself, your partner and your family. It is important to understand that there are stringent processes involved with these orders. Defending an AVO can be […]

The moment your privacy is violated without your knowledge, the damage is already done. Voyeurism offences are far more common than many Australians realise. Across every state and territory, the law treats voyeurism-related crimes with a seriousness that can permanently alter a person’s life. Key Takeaways What is Voyeurism? To better understand what constitutes voyeurism, […]

The use of peptides and synthetic drugs in Australia are only permitted for legitimate medical purposes, as prescribed by a doctor or specialist. The Poisons Standard outlines the classification of medicines and poisons, applicable to legislation across Australia. Schedule 4 outlines prescription-only medicines, encompassing peptides. Notably, steroids and peptides are distinct and subject to different […]

First-time domestic violence charges are taken very seriously by the courts. In today’s climate, it is not unusual for sentences of imprisonment to be imposed for these offences. It is also often difficult to avoid a conviction unless your case is prepared and presented by an experienced criminal defence lawyer. Generally, an Apprehended Domestic Violence […]

New proposed legislation by the State government could provide an answer to the question of how to find out if someone has an AVO. The Right to Ask scheme would allow police to disclose information about a domestic violence offender to potential new victims. However, concerns about privacy and malicious applications have been raised as […]

The punishment for sexual assault in Australia depends on the specific type of offence. The most serious offences can carry life imprisonment, however, most offences have lower maximum penalties. The primary legislation for sexual offences is the Crimes Act 1900, although some less serious offences are contained in other acts. Specialist sexual assault lawyers can […]

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 […]

Squatters rights in Australia have been in the spotlight in recent years. If a squatter has had possession of a property for a continuous period of 12 years or more, they may be able to claim adverse possession. That is why it is important for landlords and tenants to be aware of their rights and […]