Weapons Charges Lawyers In Bankstown

Our client was charged with possession of a knife in a public place and intimidation, having been refused bail by the Local Court and facing a serious risk of full-time custody. After engaging our firm, we identified through detailed review that the client was living with untreated mental illness, with NDIS support approved for intellectual and psychological disabilities but not yet active at the time of the offence. We prepared and filed a diversion application under section 14 of the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020 (NSW), supported by a comprehensive psychological assessment and a structured twelve-month treatment plan. The court accepted that the conduct was linked to the client’s mental health condition and that treatment was more appropriate than punishment. The application was granted. All charges dismissed. No conviction. No imprisonment.

We represented a client charged with affray following an altercation at a pub. The charge carried the risk of a criminal conviction with significant personal and professional consequences. After reviewing the brief of evidence, we identified several deficiencies in the prosecution case, including inconsistencies in witness accounts, gaps in CCTV coverage, and the absence of reliable evidence establishing that our client’s conduct met the legal elements of affray. We engaged in negotiations with police and the prosecution, outlining these issues and demonstrating that the evidence could not support a conviction at hearing. As a result, the prosecution withdrew the charge in its entirety before the hearing date. Affray charge withdrawn. No conviction. Client’s record and professional standing preserved.

Our client was charged with stalking and intimidation and destroying or damaging property, with police applying for an Apprehended Violence Order. We reviewed the brief and identified serious evidentiary issues with the stalking allegation, entering early negotiations with police and securing the withdrawal of that charge. During the proceedings, we identified that the client had been living with long-standing mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression. We facilitated a psychological assessment and obtained a comprehensive report to support a section 14 mental health application under the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020 (NSW). The client entered a plea of guilty to the property damage charge, and we ran a successful mental health application. The court dismissed the charge, and our client avoided a criminal record entirely. All charges dismissed. No conviction.

Prohibited weapons include tasers, knuckle dusters, flick knives, capsicum spray, and extendable batons. An illegal weapon possession lawyer in Bankstown can confirm whether your specific item falls within a prohibited or restricted category under the relevant schedules.

Weapons charges can be summary or indictable, and penalties include convictions and imprisonment. A criminal weapons charges lawyer in Bankstown can test the evidence, run reasonable excuse arguments, and present sentencing material to protect your interests throughout.

Common defences include lack of custody, no knowledge, lawful authority, and reasonable excuse. A prohibited weapon charges lawyer Bankstown or gun charges lawyer Bankstown can advise on which defence applies to your specific circumstances and item type.