Being charged with or convicted of a criminal offence does not automatically mean you cannot travel overseas. However, your ability to leave Australia may depend on your bail conditions, any court orders or sentencing conditions, your passport status and the entry requirements of your intended destination. For people facing criminal charges in NSW, travelling without
When a person is already serving a prison sentence and receives another sentence for additional offences, the way those sentences are structured can affect how long they remain in custody. In NSW, section 58 of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 contains a rule governing certain sentences imposed by the Local Court where a person
The 5-Year Prison Sentencing Rule in NSW: How Section 58 Works Read More »
Traffic cameras are now used across NSW to detect a wide range of driving offences. While most people associate cameras with speeding and red-light offences, modern camera systems can detect other conduct, including mobile phone use, seatbelt offences and certain lane offences. A camera infringement can result in a fine, demerit points and, in some
What Offences Can Cameras Catch You Committing When Driving in NSW? Read More »
Many people assume police always need a warrant to enter a home or search private property. However, under New South Wales law, police can enter or search property without a warrant in certain situations. Understanding when police can lawfully exercise these powers, and what your rights are during a search, is important, particularly where criminal
Can police enter or search my home without a warrant? Read More »
Planning and hosting a birthday party can be fun, but it is important to understand the risks involved. Many things can go wrong, but most are completely preventable; all it takes is a little bit more effort and planning from parents. As a parent, hosting an 18th birthday party could expose you to legal liability,
My teenager wants to host his 18th birthday party at home: What should I know? Read More »
Weekend sport is a significant part of family life across New South Wales. Parents regularly spend their weekends supporting their children from the sidelines, encouraging them and sharing in their successes and disappointments. While most sporting events are enjoyed without incident, emotions can sometimes run high. Disagreements with referees, coaches, opposing parents, or spectators can
When sideline behaviour becomes a criminal offence Read More »
Mobile phones now contain some of the most personal information about our lives, including messages, photos, email, banking apps, browsing history and location data. There are many legal guidelines governing police powers to seize and search phones in certain situations. Do NSW police need a warrant to search your phone? In many situations, police will
Can police read your text messages? Read More »
It might seem obvious that if a recording took place without your knowledge or consent, it should not be used against you. However, in New South Wales, the reality is more complicated. Is it illegal to secretly record someone? Generally, yes, it is illegal to secretly record someone. Under the Surveillance Devices Act 2007 (NSW),
If someone taped me without permission, can the police still use it? Read More »
When someone is sentenced to prison in New South Wales, their sentence is usually divided into two parts: a non-parole period and a parole period. Understanding the difference between these is critical, as it determines when a person may be released and what happens after they leave custody. What is a non-parole period? The non-parole
From prison to freedom: How parole and non-parole periods work in NSW Read More »
With major crackdowns across New South Wales, selling illegal tobacco or vaping products is no longer treated as a minor regulatory issue; it is now considered serious criminal conduct. They introduced some of the toughest enforcement powers. One of the most serious and immediate consequences is a short-term closure order. The new closure order powers
Police Crackdown on illegal vapes and tobacco: Can I be sent to prison? Read More »
