Independent editorial
Ann Valos Criminal Law Specialist
AV
Ann Valos Criminal Law Specialist
Section

staff

Staff

01
What is a tendency notice objection and how do you run one?

staff

What is a tendency notice objection and how do you run one?

October 17, 2026

A tendency notice objection is the first procedural line of defence against past conduct evidence. Getting the objection right, and raising it at the correct stage, can stop damaging material from ever reaching a jury.

Read article →
04
What is a tendency evidence voir dire and how does it work?

staff

What is a tendency evidence voir dire and how does it work?

October 15, 2026

A tendency evidence voir dire combines two procedural mechanisms into one high-stakes hearing. Understanding how it works, and what a defence lawyer argues at one, can be critical to the outcome of a serious criminal trial.

Read article →
05
What is a tendency evidence probative value test?

staff

What is a tendency evidence probative value test?

October 15, 2026

Before tendency evidence reaches a jury, courts must weigh whether its probative value substantially outweighs any unfair prejudice to the accused. Understanding how that test works can shape the outcome of a trial.

Read article →
07
What is a Tuckiar direction and when does it apply?

staff

What is a Tuckiar direction and when does it apply?

October 14, 2026

A Tuckiar direction protects an accused person from jury speculation about their lawyer's conduct during trial. Understanding when a judge gives one can be critical to a fair outcome.

Read article →
08
What is a co-accused and how does a joint trial work?

staff

What is a co-accused and how does a joint trial work?

October 13, 2026

When two or more people are charged over the same criminal event, courts often try them together. Understanding how a joint trial works, and when separation is possible, can shape your entire defence strategy.

Read article →
10
What is a propensity direction and when does it apply?

staff

What is a propensity direction and when does it apply?

October 12, 2026

A propensity direction instructs a jury on the limited use it can make of evidence that shows an accused person's general disposition to act in a certain way. It sits alongside, but is distinct from, a tendency direction.

Read article →
11
What is an agreed statement of facts and how does it work?

staff

What is an agreed statement of facts and how does it work?

October 11, 2026

An agreed statement of facts is a document signed by the prosecution and defence that binds both sides to a shared version of events. It shapes sentencing, speeds up proceedings, and can carry real strategic consequences.

Read article →
12
What is a contaminated verdict and how does it arise?

staff

What is a contaminated verdict and how does it arise?

October 11, 2026

A contaminated verdict occurs when improper material or flawed reasoning infects the jury's deliberations to the point where the conviction cannot stand. Knowing how courts identify one is critical for any defence.

Read article →
15
What is a tendency evidence objection and how do you run one?

staff

What is a tendency evidence objection and how do you run one?

October 9, 2026

A tendency evidence objection is the mechanism a defence uses to keep past conduct evidence away from a jury entirely. Knowing the grounds, the timing, and what courts weigh can make the difference between evidence in and evidence out.

Read article →
16
What is a special verdict and how does it work?

staff

What is a special verdict and how does it work?

October 8, 2026

A special verdict of not guilty on grounds of mental illness is one of the most distinctive outcomes in Australian criminal law. It triggers a separate regime that can lead to indefinite supervision rather than acquittal.

Read article →
17
What is a Markuleski direction and when does it apply?

staff

What is a Markuleski direction and when does it apply?

October 8, 2026

A Markuleski direction tells a jury how to reason about multiple complainants in a single trial without letting the counts improperly reinforce each other. Here is when courts give one and why it matters.

Read article →
18
What is a Makarian direction and when does it apply?

staff

What is a Makarian direction and when does it apply?

October 7, 2026

A Makarian direction guides a jury on what conclusions, if any, they can draw when an accused person chooses not to give evidence at trial. Understanding when courts give one is essential for any defendant weighing their options.

Read article →
19
Are online casinos legal in Australia?

staff

Are online casinos legal in Australia?

October 7, 2026

Online casinos occupy a confusing legal space in Australia. The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 bans operators from offering most casino-style games to Australians, but the rules for players are different.

Read article →
20
What is a certificate of immunity and how does it work?

staff

What is a certificate of immunity and how does it work?

October 7, 2026

A certificate of immunity shields a witness from prosecution after they give incriminating evidence under compulsion. Understanding how courts grant one, and its limits, can matter enormously to a criminal case.

Read article →
24
What is a certificate of determination and how does it work?

staff

What is a certificate of determination and how does it work?

October 5, 2026

A certificate of determination is the court document that records the formal outcome of criminal proceedings, including the verdict and any conditions attached. Knowing when courts issue one, and what it means for you, can shape decisions long after the courtroom.

Read article →
25
What is a fitness report and how does it affect your case?

staff

What is a fitness report and how does it affect your case?

October 4, 2026

A fitness report is the psychiatric or psychological document that a court relies on when deciding whether a defendant can meaningfully participate in criminal proceedings. Understanding what it contains can be decisive.

Read article →
26
What is a Brownlie direction and when does it apply?

staff

What is a Brownlie direction and when does it apply?

October 4, 2026

A Brownlie direction warns a jury about the dangers of dock identification evidence, where a witness points to a defendant in the courtroom for the first time. Here is when judges give one and what it means for your defence.

Read article →
31
What is an honest belief in consent defence?

staff

What is an honest belief in consent defence?

October 1, 2026

An honest belief in consent defence allows a defendant in a sexual assault case to argue they genuinely believed the complainant consented. Understanding how courts assess that belief, and where the law draws the line, is critical.

Read article →
33
What is a no-body murder case and how does it work?

staff

What is a no-body murder case and how does it work?

September 30, 2026

A no-body murder case requires prosecutors to prove that a person is dead and that someone killed them, without producing physical remains. Here is how these unusual prosecutions work in Australia.

Read article →
35
What is a stale complaint direction and when does it apply?

staff

What is a stale complaint direction and when does it apply?

September 29, 2026

A stale complaint direction warns a jury about the specific difficulties of assessing evidence in cases where the alleged offence was not reported for a long time. Here is how courts apply it and why it can shape a verdict.

Read article →
37
What is a records of interview and how is it used in court?

staff

What is a records of interview and how is it used in court?

September 28, 2026

A records of interview is the formal account of what you said (or declined to say) during a police interview, and it can become one of the most significant pieces of evidence at trial. Here is how it works in Australian criminal proceedings.

Read article →
38
What is a fitness to plead assessment and how does it work?

staff

What is a fitness to plead assessment and how does it work?

September 27, 2026

A fitness to plead assessment examines whether a defendant can meaningfully understand and participate in criminal proceedings. Knowing when one is ordered, and what follows, can be critical to the outcome of a case.

Read article →
39
What is a section 14 mental health diversion order?

staff

What is a section 14 mental health diversion order?

September 27, 2026

A section 14 mental health diversion order gives NSW magistrates the power to dismiss criminal charges and refer a defendant with cognitive impairment to care or support services. Here is how it works and when it applies.

Read article →
40
What is a forensic patient order and how does it work?

staff

What is a forensic patient order and how does it work?

September 26, 2026

A forensic patient order places a person under long-term mental health supervision following a finding of unfitness to stand trial or a special verdict of not guilty by mental illness. Understanding how the order works, who oversees it, and how it ends is critical for anyone navigating this area of law.

Read article →
41
What is a Crown election and how does it affect your case?

staff

What is a Crown election and how does it affect your case?

September 26, 2026

A Crown election is the prosecution's formal choice to proceed with a charge either summarily in a Local Court or on indictment in a higher court. That decision shapes everything from the available penalties to the way your defence is built.

Read article →
42
What is a representation order and how does it work?

staff

What is a representation order and how does it work?

September 25, 2026

A representation order formally appoints a legal practitioner to act on behalf of an accused person in criminal proceedings. Knowing when courts require one, and what happens if it lapses, can protect your position from the start.

Read article →
43
What is a severance application and how does it work?

staff

What is a severance application and how does it work?

September 24, 2026

A severance application asks a court to split joined charges, or co-accused persons, into separate trials. Knowing when courts grant one can significantly affect the outcome of a criminal matter.

Read article →
44
What is a Basha inquiry and when should you request one?

staff

What is a Basha inquiry and when should you request one?

September 24, 2026

A lies direction guides a jury on the very limited circumstances in which a defendant's proven lies can support an inference of guilt. Understanding when courts give one can change how a defence is built.

Read article →
45
What is a section 10A conviction and how does it work?

staff

What is a section 10A conviction and how does it work?

September 23, 2026

A section 10A conviction records a finding of guilt but imposes no penalty, leaving the offender with a criminal record. Understanding how it differs from a full dismissal can shape the advice you seek before sentencing.

Read article →
46
What is a subpoena and how does it work in criminal law?

staff

What is a subpoena and how does it work in criminal law?

September 23, 2026

A subpoena is a court-issued order compelling a person to attend court to give evidence or produce documents. Understanding how subpoenas work in criminal proceedings can be critical for both the accused and witnesses.

Read article →
47
What is an exculpatory statement and how does it work?

staff

What is an exculpatory statement and how does it work?

September 22, 2026

An exculpatory statement is a defendant's out-of-court claim of innocence, often made to police at arrest. How a court treats that statement can significantly affect the outcome of a criminal trial.

Read article →
48
What is a sentence indication and how does it work?

staff

What is a sentence indication and how does it work?

September 22, 2026

A sentence indication gives a defendant a non-binding forecast of the sentence they are likely to receive before they commit to a guilty plea. Understanding how courts give one, and when to seek one, can be decisive.

Read article →
49
What is a section 33 mental health diversion order?

staff

What is a section 33 mental health diversion order?

September 21, 2026

A section 33 mental health diversion order gives a NSW magistrate the power to adjourn criminal proceedings and refer a defendant to a mental health facility or community care, without recording a conviction. Understanding how it differs from other diversion pathways can shape how you approach a defence.

Read article →
50
What is a closing address and how does it work?

staff

What is a closing address and how does it work?

September 20, 2026

A closing address is a lawyer's final opportunity to speak directly to the jury or judge before a verdict is delivered. Understanding what it covers, and how it differs from an opening, can help you follow what's happening in your case.

Read article →
51
What is a back-up charge and how does it work?

staff

What is a back-up charge and how does it work?

September 20, 2026

A back-up charge gives prosecutors an alternative charge to rely on if the primary count fails at trial. Understanding how back-up charges are structured can shape how you and your lawyer prepare a defence.

Read article →
52
What is a consent order and how does it work in criminal law?

staff

What is a consent order and how does it work in criminal law?

September 19, 2026

A consent order is a court-approved agreement between the parties to a proceeding, carrying the same binding force as any other court order. Understanding when they arise in criminal matters can help defendants and their lawyers move strategically.

Read article →
54
What is a beyond reasonable doubt direction and how does it work?

staff

What is a beyond reasonable doubt direction and how does it work?

September 17, 2026

A beyond reasonable doubt direction tells a jury the exact standard of proof required before they can return a guilty verdict. Understanding how judges explain this standard, and what goes wrong when they don't, can shape the outcome of a criminal trial.

Read article →
55
What is a bulk pleading and how does it work?

staff

What is a bulk pleading and how does it work?

September 16, 2026

A bulk pleading allows a defendant to enter guilty pleas to multiple charges at once, often as part of a negotiated resolution. Understanding how courts handle them can shape your approach to sentencing.

Read article →
56
What is a suppression order and how does it work?

staff

What is a suppression order and how does it work?

September 15, 2026

A suppression order restricts what can be published about a court case, protecting identities, evidence, or the integrity of ongoing proceedings. Knowing when courts grant them, and what consequences follow a breach, matters for defendants and observers alike.

Read article →
57
What is a nolle prosequi and how does it work?

staff

What is a nolle prosequi and how does it work?

September 15, 2026

A nolle prosequi is a formal entry that ends criminal proceedings without a verdict. Understanding when prosecutors use it, and what happens to an accused person afterwards, can be critical knowledge in any serious criminal matter.

Read article →
59
What is a de facto contempt of court and how does it work?

staff

What is a de facto contempt of court and how does it work?

September 14, 2026

De facto contempt of court covers conduct that undermines the administration of justice without a direct breach of a court order. Understanding how Australian courts identify and respond to it matters for anyone involved in criminal proceedings.

Read article →
61
What is a cognitive impairment direction and how does it work?

staff

What is a cognitive impairment direction and how does it work?

September 12, 2026

A cognitive impairment direction tells a jury how to approach evidence given by a witness who has a cognitive impairment, guiding careful scrutiny without dismissing that evidence outright. Knowing when judges give one can be critical to how a criminal trial unfolds.

Read article →
63
What is a Doli incapax presumption and how does it work?

staff

What is a Doli incapax presumption and how does it work?

September 10, 2026

The doli incapax presumption holds that a child between 10 and 14 years old is presumed incapable of criminal wrongdoing. Understanding when this protection applies, and how the prosecution can rebut it, matters enormously in any youth criminal matter.

Read article →
64
What is a judge-alone trial and how does it work?

staff

What is a judge-alone trial and how does it work?

September 10, 2026

A judge-alone trial lets an accused person have their guilt decided by a judge rather than a jury. Understanding when this option is available, and how courts approach it, can shape a critical defence decision.

Read article →
65
What is a special hearing and how does it work?

staff

What is a special hearing and how does it work?

September 9, 2026

A special hearing allows a court to assess the evidence against an accused who has been found unfit to stand trial, without the usual adversarial process. It's a distinct and often misunderstood procedure with its own rules and outcomes.

Read article →
66
What is a Weissensteiner direction and when does it apply?

staff

What is a Weissensteiner direction and when does it apply?

September 9, 2026

A Weissensteiner direction permits a jury to draw adverse inferences when an accused person stays silent and the relevant facts are within their unique knowledge. Understanding when this direction applies can be critical to any criminal defence.

Read article →
67
What is a McKinney direction and when does it apply?

staff

What is a McKinney direction and when does it apply?

September 8, 2026

A McKinney direction cautions a jury about the risks of convicting solely on the basis of police evidence that lacks any independent support. Understanding when courts give one can be critical to a fair defence.

Read article →
68
What is a Muldrock direction and when does it apply?

staff

What is a Muldrock direction and when does it apply?

September 8, 2026

A Muldrock direction corrects a misapplication of guideline judgments in sentencing, ensuring a jury is not misled about how such benchmarks operate. Understanding when it applies can be critical in serious criminal matters.

Read article →
70
What is a Prasad direction and when does a judge give one?

staff

What is a Prasad direction and when does a judge give one?

September 7, 2026

A Prasad direction gives a jury the option to acquit a defendant at the close of the prosecution case, without waiting for the defence to call any evidence. Understanding when courts use this direction can be critical to a fair criminal trial.

Read article →
71
What is a Newton hearing and when does it apply?

staff

What is a Newton hearing and when does it apply?

September 6, 2026

A Newton hearing resolves a factual dispute between the prosecution and defence after a guilty plea, so a judge can sentence on an accurate account of what actually happened.

Read article →
73
What is a directed verdict and when can a judge grant one?

staff

What is a directed verdict and when can a judge grant one?

September 5, 2026

A directed verdict allows a judge to end a criminal trial before the jury reaches a verdict, on the basis that the prosecution's evidence is too weak to sustain a conviction. Understanding when it applies can matter enormously to any defence strategy.

Read article →
74
What is a tendency direction and how does a judge give one?

staff

What is a tendency direction and how does a judge give one?

September 5, 2026

A tendency direction instructs a jury on the limited purpose for which tendency evidence can be used. Understanding how judges give one, and what it means for a defendant, is essential in any trial where past conduct is in play.

Read article →
75
What is a Jones direction and when does it apply?

staff

What is a Jones direction and when does it apply?

September 4, 2026

A Jones direction tells a jury they may draw an adverse inference from a party's failure to call a witness who could have given relevant evidence. Understanding when courts give one can be decisive in a criminal trial.

Read article →
76
What is a section 38 mental health diversion and how does it work?

staff

What is a section 38 mental health diversion and how does it work?

September 4, 2026

A section 38 mental health diversion allows a NSW court to adjourn criminal proceedings and refer a defendant to mental health care instead of proceeding to conviction. Knowing when it applies and how to access it can change the entire outcome of a case.

Read article →
78
What is a Basha inquiry and how does it work?

staff

What is a Basha inquiry and how does it work?

September 2, 2026

A Basha inquiry gives the defence a chance to question a key witness before the trial begins, testing whether that witness can give a reliable and fair account. Understanding when courts grant one can shape your entire defence strategy.

Read article →
79
What is a Farquharson direction and when does it apply?

staff

What is a Farquharson direction and when does it apply?

September 2, 2026

A Farquharson direction guides a jury on how to reason from circumstantial evidence to a verdict of guilt. Understanding when courts give one, and why it matters, can be critical to any contested criminal trial.

Read article →
80
What is a Krakouer order and how does it work?

staff

What is a Krakouer order and how does it work?

September 1, 2026

A Krakouer order gives a court the flexibility to defer sentencing so a defendant can demonstrate genuine engagement with rehabilitation before a penalty is imposed. Here is what it means and when courts grant one.

Read article →
81
What is a section 32 apprehension and how does it work?

staff

What is a section 32 apprehension and how does it work?

September 1, 2026

A section 32 apprehension gives police the authority to detain someone in a mental health crisis and take them for assessment, without laying a criminal charge. Understanding how this power differs from arrest matters for anyone involved.

Read article →
82
What is a section 32 mental health order in criminal law?

staff

What is a section 32 mental health order in criminal law?

August 31, 2026

A section 32 mental health order allows a court to divert a defendant away from conviction when a mental health condition was a factor in the offending. Understanding how these orders work can change the outcome of a matter entirely.

Read article →
84
What is a Briginshaw direction and when does it apply?

staff

What is a Briginshaw direction and when does it apply?

August 30, 2026

A Briginshaw direction raises the level of satisfaction a court needs before finding a serious allegation proved on the civil standard of proof. It's a concept that matters well beyond civil proceedings.

Read article →
85
What is a warrant of apprehension and how does it work?

staff

What is a warrant of apprehension and how does it work?

August 29, 2026

A warrant of apprehension gives police the authority to arrest a person and bring them before a court. Understanding when courts issue them, and what to do if one is issued against you, can protect your legal position.

Read article →
86
What is a Tendency Notice and how does it work in court?

staff

What is a Tendency Notice and how does it work in court?

August 29, 2026

A Tendency Notice is a procedural mechanism that alerts all parties before a court hears evidence about a defendant's past conduct or characteristics. Understanding how it works can be critical to your defence.

Read article →
87
What is a surety and how does it work in bail?

staff

What is a surety and how does it work in bail?

August 28, 2026

A surety is a person who pledges money or assets to a court to guarantee that an accused person will comply with their bail conditions. Understanding how sureties work can be critical when bail is at stake.

Read article →
88
What is an honest claim of right defence?

staff

What is an honest claim of right defence?

August 27, 2026

A claim of right defence applies when a person genuinely believed they were legally entitled to the property they took. It's a narrow but powerful defence that can defeat theft, fraud, and related charges in Australia.

Read article →
89
What is a good behaviour bond and how does it work?

staff

What is a good behaviour bond and how does it work?

August 27, 2026

A good behaviour bond allows a court to release an offender under set conditions rather than imposing full imprisonment or a heavy fine. Here is how they work in Australia and what breaching one can mean.

Read article →
92
What is a Griffith remand and how does it work?

staff

What is a Griffith remand and how does it work?

August 25, 2026

A Griffith remand gives a person who has pleaded guilty a period of time before sentencing to demonstrate genuine rehabilitation. Here is how the process works and when it applies.

Read article →
93
What is a committal hearing and how does it work?

staff

What is a committal hearing and how does it work?

August 25, 2026

A committal hearing is a court proceeding that filters serious criminal charges before they reach trial. Understanding what happens, and why it matters, can help you make informed decisions early in your case.

Read article →
94
What is a fitness to stand trial hearing?

staff

What is a fitness to stand trial hearing?

August 24, 2026

A fitness to stand trial hearing is a separate legal proceeding that pauses a criminal case to ask a fundamental question: can the accused person actually participate in their own defence? Here is how Australian courts decide that question.

Read article →
96
What is a no-bill application and how does it work?

staff

What is a no-bill application and how does it work?

August 23, 2026

A no-bill application is a formal request asking a court or the Director of Public Prosecutions to terminate criminal proceedings before a trial begins. Understanding when and how it applies can change the course of a serious charge.

Read article →
97
What is an alibi defence and how does it work?

staff

What is an alibi defence and how does it work?

August 23, 2026

An alibi defence tells the court that you couldn't have committed the offence because you were somewhere else at the time. Here is how alibi evidence works in Australia and why getting it right matters.

Read article →
98
What is a voir dire and how does it work in court?

staff

What is a voir dire and how does it work in court?

August 22, 2026

A voir dire is a mini-hearing held inside a criminal trial to decide whether specific evidence can be placed before the jury or magistrate. Understanding how it works can help you see why it matters.

Read article →
99
What is the right to silence in Australia?

staff

What is the right to silence in Australia?

August 22, 2026

The right to silence in Australia means you generally cannot be forced to answer police questions or give evidence against yourself. Knowing exactly when and how to use it can protect you from serious harm.

Read article →
101
What is a plea deal and should you take one?

staff

What is a plea deal and should you take one?

August 21, 2026

Plea deals allow a defendant to negotiate with prosecutors before a matter goes to trial. Understanding how they work in Australia can help you make a more informed decision about your case.

Read article →
102
What happens at a sentencing hearing in Australia?

staff

What happens at a sentencing hearing in Australia?

August 20, 2026

A sentencing hearing in Australia is the court proceeding where a judge or magistrate determines the penalty after a guilty plea or a finding of guilt. Knowing what happens and what the court considers can make a real difference to the outcome.

Read article →
104
What is a criminal record and how long does it last?

staff

What is a criminal record and how long does it last?

August 19, 2026

A criminal record in Australia is not always permanent, but its effects can linger far longer than people expect. Here is how records are created, how long they follow you, and what options exist.

Read article →
106
What to say (and not say) when police ask questions

staff

What to say (and not say) when police ask questions

August 17, 2026

When police ask you questions in Australia, the pressure to speak can feel overwhelming. Knowing your right to silence and exactly when to use it can protect you from serious harm to your case.

Read article →
107
What is a section 10 dismissal and how does it work?

staff

What is a section 10 dismissal and how does it work?

August 17, 2026

A section 10 dismissal allows an Australian court to find a charge proven without recording a criminal conviction against you. Understanding how it works and when it applies can make a significant difference to your future.

Read article →
109
What to do in the first 24 hours after arrest

staff

What to do in the first 24 hours after arrest

August 16, 2026

The first 24 hours after an arrest in Australia are often the most critical period in any criminal matter. Knowing what to do, and what not to do, can protect your rights and your case.

Read article →
110
What is an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO)?

staff

What is an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO)?

August 15, 2026

An Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) is a court order that restricts how one person can contact or approach another. Understanding how AVOs work is essential whether you are applying for one or responding to one.

Read article →
111
What to expect at a plea hearing in Australia

staff

What to expect at a plea hearing in Australia

August 15, 2026

A plea hearing in Australia is the moment when you formally tell the court how you plead to a criminal charge. What happens next depends heavily on how well you and your lawyer have prepared.

Read article →
112
What is a good character reference for court?

staff

What is a good character reference for court?

August 14, 2026

A character reference for court can genuinely influence how a judge or magistrate views a defendant at sentencing. Knowing what makes one effective is more important than most people realise.

Read article →
114
What happens at a bail hearing in Australia?

staff

What happens at a bail hearing in Australia?

August 13, 2026

A bail hearing in Australia is often the first critical moment after a charge is laid. Understanding how the process works can make a real difference to what happens next.

Read article →
116
Blackmail charges in Australia: what you need to know

staff

Blackmail charges in Australia: what you need to know

August 4, 2026

Blackmail charges in Australia carry the prospect of significant prison sentences and can arise from conduct that people don't always recognise as criminal. Here is what the law actually says and what to do if you're facing a charge.

Read article →
117
Theft charges in Australia: what you need to know

staff

Theft charges in Australia: what you need to know

July 23, 2026

Theft charges in Australia can arise from situations ranging from a moment of poor judgement to complex schemes involving significant sums. Understanding how the law applies is the first step to protecting yourself.

Read article →
118
Arson charges in Australia: what you need to know

staff

Arson charges in Australia: what you need to know

July 23, 2026

Arson charges in Australia are among the more serious property offences in the criminal law system, carrying the prospect of significant imprisonment. Understanding how the law applies and what your options are can make a real difference to the outcome.

Read article →
119
Kidnapping charges in Australia: what you need to know

staff

Kidnapping charges in Australia: what you need to know

July 22, 2026

Kidnapping charges in Australia are among the most serious offences in the criminal law system, carrying the prospect of lengthy imprisonment. Understanding how the law applies and what your defence options are is essential.

Read article →
120
Fraud charges in Australia: what you need to know

staff

Fraud charges in Australia: what you need to know

July 22, 2026

Fraud charges in Australia can arise from a single transaction or a complex pattern of conduct, and carry penalties ranging from fines to lengthy imprisonment. Understanding the law is the first step.

Read article →
121
Sexual assault charges in Australia: what you need to know

staff

Sexual assault charges in Australia: what you need to know

July 21, 2026

Sexual assault charges in Australia carry some of the heaviest criminal penalties in the legal system, with consequences that extend well beyond the courtroom. Understanding how these offences are defined and what your options are is essential.

Read article →
122
Drug trafficking charges in Australia: what you need to know

staff

Drug trafficking charges in Australia: what you need to know

July 21, 2026

Drug trafficking charges in Australia are among the most serious offences in the criminal law system, carrying the prospect of decades in prison. Understanding how these charges work is the first step in building a defence.

Read article →
123
Assault charges in Australia: what you need to know

staff

Assault charges in Australia: what you need to know

July 20, 2026

Assault charges in Australia can arise from a single incident and carry consequences that range from a fine to years of imprisonment. Understanding how the law works is the first step in protecting yourself.

Read article →
124
Robbery charges in Australia: what you need to know

staff

Robbery charges in Australia: what you need to know

July 20, 2026

Robbery charges in Australia are among the most serious property-related offences in the criminal law system, carrying the prospect of significant imprisonment. Understanding the law and your options early is critical.

Read article →
125
Manslaughter charges in Australia: what you need to know

staff

Manslaughter charges in Australia: what you need to know

July 19, 2026

Manslaughter charges in Australia are among the most serious criminal matters a person can face, carrying the prospect of lengthy imprisonment. Understanding how the law applies to your situation is the first step.

Read article →
126
Domestic violence charges in Australia: what you need to know

staff

Domestic violence charges in Australia: what you need to know

July 19, 2026

Domestic violence charges in Australia can arise quickly and carry lasting consequences, from apprehended violence orders through to serious criminal convictions. Here is what the law says and what to do if you are facing a charge.

Read article →
129
Weapons charges in Australia: what you need to know

staff

Weapons charges in Australia: what you need to know

July 17, 2026

Weapons charges in Australia range from unlicensed possession to serious offences involving prohibited firearms. Understanding the law and your options early can make a significant difference to the outcome.

Read article →
130
Murder charges in Australia: what you need to know

staff

Murder charges in Australia: what you need to know

July 17, 2026

Murder is the most serious criminal charge in the Australian legal system, carrying the prospect of life imprisonment. Understanding how these charges work and what a specialist defence can achieve is essential.

Read article →
131
Robbery lawyer: what to look for in your defence

staff

Robbery lawyer: what to look for in your defence

July 16, 2026

Robbery is one of the most serious offences in the Australian criminal law system, carrying the potential for lengthy imprisonment. Knowing what to look for in a robbery lawyer can make a decisive difference to the outcome of your case.

Read article →
132
Fraud lawyer: what to look for in your defence

staff

Fraud lawyer: what to look for in your defence

July 15, 2026

Fraud charges are among the most complex matters in criminal law, often involving extensive documentary evidence and serious consequences. Here is what to look for in a specialist fraud lawyer.

Read article →
133
Drug offence lawyer: what to look for in your defence

staff

Drug offence lawyer: what to look for in your defence

July 15, 2026

Drug offence charges range from minor possession matters to serious supply and trafficking allegations. Knowing what to look for in a drug offence lawyer can make a decisive difference to the outcome.

Read article →
134
Assault lawyer: what to look for in your defence

staff

Assault lawyer: what to look for in your defence

July 14, 2026

Assault charges range from minor summary offences to serious indictable matters carrying years of imprisonment. Knowing what to look for in an assault lawyer can shape everything that follows.

Read article →
139
What crime has the highest conviction rate?

staff

What crime has the highest conviction rate?

July 12, 2026

What crime has the highest conviction rate is a question that matters enormously if you are facing a charge. The answer varies by offence type, but some categories consistently produce guilty outcomes at far higher rates than others.

Read article →
140
What are the top 10 crimes in Australia?

staff

What are the top 10 crimes in Australia?

July 11, 2026

Wondering what the top 10 crimes in Australia are? From theft and assault to drug offences and fraud, these are the charges that appear most frequently in Australian courts.

Read article →
141
What is the most common criminal offence in Australia?

staff

What is the most common criminal offence in Australia?

July 11, 2026

Theft and related property offences are consistently the most common criminal offences recorded in Australia, but traffic matters and drug charges are not far behind. Here is what you need to know.

Read article →
146
How much does a criminal lawyer cost in Australia?

staff

How much does a criminal lawyer cost in Australia?

July 7, 2026

How much does a criminal lawyer cost in Australia is one of the first questions people ask when facing a charge. Fees vary widely depending on the complexity of the matter, the court, and the experience of the lawyer you choose.

Read article →
150
Criminal defense attorney lawyer: what you need to know

staff

Criminal defense attorney lawyer: what you need to know

July 3, 2026

A criminal defense attorney lawyer does far more than represent you in court. Knowing what they do, when to engage one, and what separates exceptional counsel from the rest can shape everything about your case.

Read article →
154
Best criminal lawyer Melbourne: what to look for

staff

Best criminal lawyer Melbourne: what to look for

June 29, 2026

Finding the best criminal lawyer in Melbourne takes more than a Google search. Here is what genuinely separates exceptional defence counsel from the rest, and why it matters for your case.

Read article →
155
Best criminal lawyers Melbourne: what to look for

staff

Best criminal lawyers Melbourne: what to look for

June 28, 2026

Finding the best criminal lawyers in Melbourne takes more than a Google search. Here is what genuinely distinguishes exceptional defence counsel and how to make the right choice for your case.

Read article →
158
How much does a criminal lawyer cost in Australia?

staff

How much does a criminal lawyer cost in Australia?

June 25, 2026

How much does a criminal lawyer cost is one of the first questions people ask when facing a charge. Fees vary widely depending on the matter, the court, and the lawyer's experience.

Read article →
174
Drug lawyers: what to look for when choosing one

staff

Drug lawyers: what to look for when choosing one

June 2, 2026

Drug charges carry serious consequences, and the lawyer you choose can shape the outcome. Here is what to look for when selecting an experienced drug lawyer to represent you.

Read article →
175
Ann Valos: criminal law specialist

staff

Ann Valos: criminal law specialist

June 1, 2026

Ann Valos is an accredited criminal law specialist with over 15 years of experience, known for her dedication, integrity, and trusted reputation in the local legal community.

Read article →
176
Meet our criminal law team

staff

Meet our criminal law team

June 1, 2026

The team at Ann Valos Criminal Law brings together accredited specialists with over 30 years of combined experience, dedicated to defending clients with skill and integrity.

Read article →