Nicole Byrne | O'BRIEN CRIMINAL & CIVIL SOLICITORS

Family Dispute Resolution Services in Sydney

Family Dispute Resolution / By Nicole Byrne / October 30, 2025

Family Dispute Resolution in Sydney: Separation is one of life’s most stressful experiences, emotionally draining and financially challenging. When family relationships break down, finding a way forward that protects everyone’s wellbeing, especially the children’s, becomes crucial. That’s where Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) steps in. At O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors in Sydney, our Family Dispute […]

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Possession of Knife in Public Place: Section 93IB of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW)

Criminal Defence, crime / By Nicole Byrne / October 28, 2025

Possession of Knife in Public Place: Carrying a knife in public, even unintentionally, can lead to serious criminal charges in New South Wales. Under section 93IB of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), it is an offence to have custody of a knife in a public place or school without a reasonable excuse. This law applies

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Additional Charge Laid in Hannah Thomas’ Civil Claim

Civil Law / By Nicole Byrne / October 22, 2025

O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors confirms that an additional and more serious charge has been filed against the State of New South Wales in the ongoing civil proceedings on behalf of Hannah Thomas. This new charge has been added due to the severity of the injury Ms Thomas sustained during her arrest at the SEC

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Australia’s True Crime Podcasts: 8 To Listen to Now

crime / By Nicole Byrne / October 22, 2025

Australia’s true crime podcast scene is bursting with some great listens! With a host of compelling shows covering everything from notorious crimes to the intricacies of the legal system. Our criminal lawyers and paralegals at the firm are hooked, are you?! Whether you’re looking for deep investigative journalism or practical legal advice, there’s something for

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Understanding the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC)

Criminal Defence, court / By Nicole Byrne / October 20, 2025

The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) is the nation’s central criminal intelligence agency, dedicated to protecting Australia from serious and organised crime. Established on 1 July 2016 following the merger of the Australian Crime Commission (ACC) and CrimTrac, the ACIC provides unique, actionable, and intelligence-driven insights that support law enforcement agencies across the country. What

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Supreme Court Victory: Josh Lees v State of New South Wales

Civil Law / By Nicole Byrne / October 16, 2025

Today’s judgment by the New South Wales Supreme Court, declaring the government’s protest law amendments invalid, represents more than a legal win. It is a vindication of the democratic principle that free expression cannot be muzzled under the guise of convenience. This case, brought by our client Josh Lees on behalf of the Palestine Action

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Can You Sue the State for Abuse by a Government Employee? Vicarious Liability

Civil Law / By Nicole Byrne / October 15, 2025

Understanding vicarious liability in NSW and your rights to compensation When someone in a position of power, such as a police officer, teacher, or public servant, commits a serious act of abuse, the survivor is often left wondering not only how such a thing could happen, but who is legally responsible. In many cases, the

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Vicarious Liability: Suing state for abuse

O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors Expands to the Northern Territory: Best NT Lawyer

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander / By Nicole Byrne / October 13, 2025

Legal Support in the NT: After more than 15 years of serving clients in the Northern Territory from Sydney, O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors is proud to announce a permanent presence in the NT. We’re thrilled to welcome Solicitor Maithili Mishra to our team. Maithili will be based in Alice Springs, where she’ll continue our

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Opera House March: Sydney Lawyers for Arrest for Contempt of Court

Civil Law, Unlawful arrest / By Nicole Byrne / October 10, 2025

On October 8, 2025, the NSW Court of Appeal ruled to block a proposed pro-Palestine march to the Sydney Opera House, citing exceptional risks, including public safety and crowd control concerns. The Palestine Action Group planned the event in response to ongoing conflict in Gaza, but the court, led by Chief Justice Andrew Bell and

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Mistreatment in Juvenile Detention in Australia: Legal Insights and Advocacy

Civil Law, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander / By Nicole Byrne / October 2, 2025

Mistreatment in juvenile detention centres across Australia remains a pervasive problem. Additionally, it raises urgent concerns about the rights and well-being of vulnerable young people. Recent data shows a dramatic increase in youth detention, particularly for Indigenous children, despite laws intended to protect children and promote rehabilitation over punishment. Reports continue to surface regarding excessive

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