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 »
When your child is charged with a criminal offence, it can feel overwhelming, frightening and uncertain. Many parents ask the same question: What is the best day to protect my child? The answer starts with understanding how the Children’s Court of NSW works and what makes it different from the adult court, as well as
Circle sentencing brings the court, offender, victims, respected elders and community members together to determine an appropriate sentence. It is a specialist sentencing process within the NSW Local Court designed for Aboriginal offenders. It is a structured, culturally informed sentencing process aimed at accountability, rehabilitation and reducing reoffending. It is a restorative justice process designed
Circle sentencing in NSW: How do Indigenous courts work? Read More »
The police have approached you, and they say they want to ask you a few questions. Should you agree, or do you exercise your right to silence and say nothing at all? A police interview can be both formal and informal. It can range from a casual chat to a recorded formal interview. Even seemingly
The police want to speak to me: What should I do? Read More »
