Q. 1 : Why do I need a criminal lawyer?
Put simply, you could be setting yourself up for a lengthy prison sentence otherwise. Whether you are the one at fault or not, we’ll always get you the best possible result. On top of this, we can be present whenever you speak to the police to ensure you do not say anything that could incriminate yourself.
Q. 2 : What separates a traditional and commonwealth offence?
Commonwealth offences (fraud, money laundering, drug importing, etc.) are typically the jurisdiction of the Australian Federal Police – this makes it a significant step up from other crime types. They charge a defendant under the Crimes Act of 1914 alongside the Commonwealth Criminal Code Act of 1995; it is not a state matter.
Q. 3 : What is my alcohol limit when driving?
Q. 4 : What does it mean to ‘POSSESS’ drugs?
This is a nebulous term often at the crux of drug offence cases. If you have knowledge and control of a drug or drug-related item, you are the one who ‘possesses’ it, regardless of if it is actually on your person. Even if somebody else has custody of the offending item, the law could still regard you as the possessor.
Q. 5 : Can I protect my loved ones with a domestic violence order?
If you need protection from domestic violence, then the subsequent Domestic Violence Order can include your family or friends; you simply need to name them in the Order. It can also encompass your children – even if the aggressor is also their parent. The safety of you and those around you is paramount when filing an Order.
Q. 6 : When is the best time to speak to a lawyer?
Here are some of the things that we recommend you do beforehand:
- Gather any information you think may be relevant before your consultation. This includes any documentation, emails, photos, or other evidence related to your case.
- Make a list of questions: Write down any questions you have for your lawyer prior to the consultation. These may include questions about how much their services will cost or how long the process will take.
- Make a list of people involved: It’s important to provide your lawyer with contact information for any people who may be involved in your case.
Q. 7 : How do I prepare for a consultation with my lawyer?
This is a nebulous term often at the crux of drug offence cases. If you have knowledge and control of a drug or drug-related item, you are the one who ‘possesses’ it, regardless of if it is actually on your person. Even if somebody else has custody of the offending item, the law could still regard you as the possessor.
Q. 8 : How does a fixed fee retainer work?
A fixed fee retainer is a payment you make upfront to your lawyer, allowing them to provide their services to you at a predetermined rate. The retainer is usually a one-time payment that typically covers all of the legal services you may need during a specific period of time. For example, the lawyer may provide initial representation, or advice on a brief of evidence, or on a document. This type of retainer is advantageous because it allows you to know exactly how much you will be paying for your lawyer’s services for specific jobs from the outset, and enables you to budget accordingly throughout the legal process.