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Criminal & traffic law
Being charged - or even just contacted by police - is stressful and frightening. What you say or do in the very early stages can significantly affect the outcome, sometimes before any charge is laid. Speak to us first, so your rights are protected and every avenue stays open.
Enquiring is free. We confirm any consultation fee before you come in.
Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. Outside those hours, leave a message or send an enquiry marked urgent - it is checked first thing each morning.
Key facts
- In court this week? Call (02) 4332 3588 now. Outside office hours, send an enquiry marked "Today or tomorrow" - it is checked first thing each morning.
- Speak to us before giving any statement or interview to police - what you say early shapes everything after.
- We appear regularly in the Central Coast local courts.
Experienced court representation
We appear in the Local Court and District Court in a wide range of criminal, traffic and apprehended violence matters - bail applications, pleas, trials and sentence hearings. Whether you intend to defend the charge or accept responsibility and put your best case forward, experienced representation protects your reputation, your career and your liberty.
Traffic matters are serious matters
Licence suspension, disqualification or a criminal record can directly affect your ability to work. We advise on the best approach to drink and drug driving, dangerous and negligent driving, driving while suspended, heavy vehicle offences, speeding appeals and more.
How we can help
- Police interviews - advice before you say anything
- Bail applications, pleas, trials and sentencing
- Drink & drug driving, licence appeals, heavy vehicle offences
- AVOs / ADVOs - applications, responses and alleged breaches
- Assault, drug, fraud, firearms and other criminal charges
Common questions
Should I talk to the police without a lawyer?
You generally have the right to remain silent beyond providing your name and address (there are exceptions, such as some driving matters). It is almost always wise to get legal advice before taking part in an interview. If police want to speak with you, call us first.
What happens at my first court appearance in NSW?
Usually a short procedural mention - the court confirms who you are, how you plead (or gives you time to get advice), and sets the next date. Turning up prepared, and represented, sets the tone for everything after. We will walk you through exactly what to expect beforehand.
Should I plead guilty?
Never decide this without advice. An early guilty plea can attract a sentencing discount where the case is strong, but pleading guilty to something the prosecution cannot prove - or where a defence exists - can change your life unnecessarily. Get advice first; then decide.
How long do offences stay on your record?
Certain serious offences, and offences with a prison sentence of more than six months, stay on your record permanently. Most other convictions become spent ten years after the date of conviction. We can advise on what applies to your situation.
I have an ADVO against me and the protected person says they do not mind me contacting them. Can I?
No - follow the orders regardless. Courts treat any breach of an ADVO very seriously, even where the protected person invites the contact. If you have any doubt about what the order allows, have a solicitor explain it to you before you act.
This is general information, not legal advice. Every situation is different - for advice on your matter, request an initial consultation. Enquiring is free, and we confirm any consultation fee for your matter before you come in.
Request your initial consultation.
Sit down with a solicitor, tell your story, and leave knowing where you stand. Enquiring is free, there is no consultation fee for wills, conveyancing, powers of attorney, deceased estates or contested estates, and for other matters an initial consultation is $275 - full costs explained before any work begins.