Criminal Lawyers In North Sydney

From CCTV and statements we built a clear timeline and showed retreat options were limited. Body worn video supported proportionate responses by our client. Self defence was raised and not disproved by the prosecution. The court dismissed all counts. The client left court without a conviction and returned to normal work arrangements. We provided a short guide for safe communication to reduce future risk. We also prepared a note for any linked ADVO to ensure sensible boundaries remained, while avoiding conditions that would make rostered shifts or study impractical.

The matter involved 24 kg of MDMA. The maximum penalty is life and the SNPP is 15 years, a benchmark for minimum time before parole. With targeted programmes, documents, and firm DPP negotiations, the court imposed 18 months imprisonment. The result reflected rehabilitation, risk reduction, and structured supports. It shows how preparation, insight, and stable plans can materially shift sentencing in serious drug matters. We also mapped post release supports, including alcohol and other drug counselling, employment contacts, and housing stability, so reintegration goals were realistic and supervision could be met.

Client was charged with mid-range drink driving after a work Christmas party, with a reading of 0.134. He chose to drive home and was stopped after failing to stop at a red light. We provided clear early advice on steps to improve his prospects, including completing the recommended courses and gathering the required supporting documents. With thorough preparation and focused submissions at sentence, the court ultimately imposed a non-conviction outcome. The client retained his driver licence and was able to continue his employment without interruption. 

TextPricing reflects charge complexity, the amount of preparation, and whether the matter is a plea or defended hearing. Many pleas are fixed-fee; defended hearings adopt staged pricing across mentions, conferences, and the hearing itself. Criminal lawyers North Sydney confirm inclusions and any disbursements, such as subpoenas, experts, and interpreters, before engagement. They provide written cost disclosures, explain how extra court dates or late evidence can affect your bill, and help you budget realistically for best and worst case scenarios.

Consider Legal Aid NSW or duty lawyer help if eligible. Criminal lawyers North Sydney assess means and merit, discuss payment plans or limited-scope options, and focus on early steps that reduce risk and cost. They may also suggest using community legal centres or free advice services for some tasks while the private lawyer concentrates on critical hearings or negotiations. This approach can keep you represented at key stages and improve outcomes without committing to full private fees for every appearance.

Thresholds change over time and depend on income, dependants, assets, and the type of matter. North Sydney criminal lawyers check current criteria, prepare your application, and explain contributions or conditions that might apply to any aid grant. They clarify that Legal Aid NSW policies are statewide rather than suburb-specific and outline options if you sit just above the limit, including reviews, internal appeals, or tailored private fee arrangements, so you understand all realistic pathways before deciding how to proceed.