Articles

As criminal lawyers, we often get asked for our list of the best true crime documentaries of all time. Whether it is a cold case from the past or a recent incident fresh in the memory of the public, true crime captures the minds of people across the board. The below list is what appeals […]

As specialist criminal lawyers, we have heard numerous arguments from people about what they think their rights are when dealing with police. Here are 10 of the most common myths and urban legends. If you need to know what laws actually do apply to your situation, call Astor Legal on (02) 7804 2823 or email […]

Over the past few years, there has been a noticeable growth in the prominence of fake IDs in Australia and questions around whether they are illegal. With websites openly selling these IDs, many have questioned what the potential consequences of possessing such an item is. It is well-established that you can be charged by Police […]

An Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) is an order that restricts the behaviour of a person, known as a defendant, for the protection of someone else, known as the protected person or PINOP. There are 11 possible conditions which can imposed to facilitate this protection. Apprehended Violence Orders can be divided into two categories; domestic or […]

A Supreme Court bail application in New South Wales can only be made after a person has had their Local Court bail application refused. Bail is defined as a person being granted conditional liberty before their criminal charges have been finalised. Bail can be granted by either police or by a court. Supreme Court Powers […]

The question of how to beat a sexual assault charge is one that criminal defence lawyers field on a regular basis. In today’s climate, defending these allegations has become extremely difficult. This is due to a range of factors such as the onset of the ‘metoo’ movement, changing attitudes to accusations and the introduction of […]

Breaching an AVO is a serious criminal offence which carries the possibility of jail time. Indeed, if you have contravened an apprehended violence order with an offence of violence, the court is required to impose a sentence of imprisonment unless there are reasons not to. Breach AVO NSW Legislation Under Section 14 of the Crimes […]

A Criminal Infringement Notice, also known as a CIN,  on the spot fine,  or Penalty Notice – is a monetary fine issued by police. They are issued for minor offences, at the discretion of police. CINs are issued in lieu of police charging and arresting, and issuing a Court Attendance Notice. Criminal infringement notices are […]

A Sydney photographer charged with aggravated sexual assault has been granted bail after spending a month in custody. 48-year-old Garth Knight was arrested and bail refused on 25 September 2020 based on allegations that he sexually assaulted two models after they were tied up. The incidents are said to have occurred in 2005 and 2011 […]

A female disability worker has been jailed for making a false statement to police, stealing jewellery and cash from her disabled and terminally ill patients. 47-year-old Violeta Hansen appeared before Burwood Local Court charged with 15 fraud related charges. She was sentenced to an overall term of imprisonment of 24 months. The presiding Magistrate was […]