Criminal Charges & Protective Orders Lawyers in Sydney, NSW
— IMMEDIATELY.
Types of criminal charges we handle
Our Sydney criminal defence lawyers represent clients across a broad range of criminal matters in the NSW Local Court and District Court, including:
– Assault and domestic violence offences
– Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs) — defended and applied for
– Drug offences
– Fraud and dishonesty offences
– Weapons offences
– Traffic and driving offences
– Sexual assault charges
– Property offences including theft and break and enter
– Criminal charges arising in the context of family law proceedings
Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs) in NSW
An Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) is a court order designed to protect a person from violence, harassment, intimidation or stalking. In NSW, AVOs are among the most common orders made by Local Courts — particularly in the context of separation and family law disputes.
There are two types of AVO in NSW:
1. Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) — issued where the parties are in a domestic relationship, including current or former partners, family members, or people living in the same household
2. Apprehended Personal Violence Order (APVO) — issued where the parties are not in a domestic relationship
If you have been served with an AVO, you have the right to contest it. An AVO on your record can have serious consequences — affecting your employment, your ability to see your children, your right to hold a firearms licence, and your family law proceedings.
If you need protection from a violent or threatening person, we can also assist you in applying for an AVO urgently through the NSW Police or the Local Court.
How criminal charges affect your family law case
Criminal charges — particularly domestic violence offences and AVOs — can have a direct and significant impact on your family law proceedings. This is an area where having a lawyer who understands both criminal and family law is critical.
Key intersections between criminal and family law in NSW:
– An ADVO can restrict your ability to contact your children or enter the family home
– A criminal conviction for a violence offence can affect parenting orders made by the Family Court
– Family Court judges can take into account any criminal history, police attendance records, and AVO history when making parenting decisions
– Evidence from criminal proceedings can be used in family law proceedings and vice versa
If you are facing both criminal charges and family law proceedings simultaneously, Meredith Family Lawyers can advise you across both matters — ensuring your criminal defence strategy does not inadvertently damage your family law position.
The criminal court process in NSW
Understanding what happens after you are charged is essential for making informed decisions about your defence.
1. Charge — police charge you with an offence, either at the scene or by summons
2. First court appearance — usually in the NSW Local Court. You will be asked to enter a plea.
3. Bail — if you are in custody, a bail application may be made at the first appearance
4. Defended hearing or plea — if you plead not guilty, a hearing date is set. If you plead guilty, the matter proceeds to sentencing.
5. Sentencing — the court considers the nature of the offence, your criminal history, and any mitigating factors
6. Appeal — if convicted, you have the right to appeal to the District Court
Getting legal advice before your first court appearance is critical. What you say to police and how you respond at your first appearance can significantly affect the outcome.
Why you need a criminal lawyer immediately
Many people make the mistake of thinking they can handle a criminal matter themselves, or that the charges are minor enough not to warrant legal representation. This is rarely the case.
Even a minor criminal conviction can:
– Appear on a National Police Check — affecting employment, professional licences, and working with children checks
– Impact your family law proceedings, particularly parenting matters
– Affect your ability to travel internationally
– Result in a fine, community service, or imprisonment depending on the offence
The earlier you obtain legal advice, the more options you have. Contact Meredith Family Lawyers as soon as you are aware of any criminal charges or if you have been served with an AVO.
Do I need a lawyer for criminal charges in NSW?
For any criminal matter — no matter how minor it appears — legal representation significantly improves your prospects of a favourable outcome. A criminal lawyer can:
– Advise you on whether to plead guilty or not guilty
– Negotiate with police to have charges withdrawn or downgraded before court
– Make submissions to the court in mitigation to reduce any penalty
– Apply for a Section 10 dismissal or conditional release order to avoid a conviction on your record
– Represent you at a defended hearing
– Advise you on how criminal proceedings may affect your family law matter
At Meredith Family Lawyers, we offer a confidential initial consultation so you can understand your position before making any decisions.
Time is critical in criminal matters. The sooner you get advice, the more options you have. Contact Meredith Family Lawyers for a confidential consultation — we are available urgently for criminal law matters.
Speak to a Criminal Defence Lawyer in Sydney Today
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact a criminal defence lawyer immediately — before speaking further with police. You have the right to silence and the right to legal representation. Do not make any further statements until you have received legal advice.
An Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) is a court order prohibiting certain behaviour toward a protected person. Breaching an AVO is a criminal offence carrying a maximum penalty of 2 years imprisonment and/or a fine of $5,500. If you have been served with an AVO, seek legal advice immediately.
Yes. You have the right to contest an AVO at a hearing in the Local Court. A magistrate will then decide whether the AVO should be made based on the evidence. Legal representation at an AVO hearing significantly improves your prospects of a successful defence.
Criminal charges — particularly domestic violence offences and AVOs — can directly affect parenting orders and property proceedings in the Family Court. A lawyer who understands both areas of law is essential to ensure your criminal defence strategy does not damage your family law position.
A Section 10 dismissal (now called a conditional release order without conviction) allows a court to find you guilty of an offence but dismiss the matter without recording a conviction. This means no criminal record. It is available for minor offences where the court is satisfied it is in the interests of justice.
Costs vary depending on the complexity and seriousness of the matter. At Meredith Family Lawyers, we provide transparent fee information from your first consultation so you know exactly where you stand. Call 1300 537 306 to discuss your matter.
