02 9261 4281
02 9261 4281

Nicole Byrne

NSW Moves to Abolish Good Character as a Mitigating Factor at Sentencing

Criminal Defence, crime / By /

This could be huge. A significant change to NSW sentencing law is currently before parliament. If passed, the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Amendment (Good Character at Sentencing) Bill 2026 would remove a person’s “good character” as a mitigating factor in sentencing proceedings for criminal offences in New South Wales. This article explains what “good character” evidence […]

NSW Moves to Abolish Good Character as a Mitigating Factor at Sentencing Read More »

a woman is standing before a judge in court

NSW Knife Laws and Police Wanding Powers: What You Can and Cannot Carry

crime / By /

Police wanding powers commenced on 9 December 2024. Under powers modelled on Queensland’s Jack’s Law, police can use handheld scanners, electronic metal-detecting wands, to stop and scan individuals without a warrant at designated areas. The powers are contained in Part 4A of the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 (NSW). Who Can Authorise A

NSW Knife Laws and Police Wanding Powers: What You Can and Cannot Carry Read More »

A NSW police officer on a street with lots of trees lining streets, holding a clipboard in his hands

When Police Exceed Their Powers During Mental Health Welfare Checks in NSW

crime, Assault / By /

Mental health welfare checks are one of the most common reasons police attend residential properties across New South Wales. In many cases, they are lifesaving. But they also represent a situation where the legal boundaries of police power are frequently misunderstood, and sometimes crossed. When police act outside the authority the law grants them, the

When Police Exceed Their Powers During Mental Health Welfare Checks in NSW Read More »

Two NSW police officers arresting a man, handcuffing him beside a police car, outside a house.

Most Common Client Questions About Drug Importation: Criminal Lawyers in Sydney

Criminal Defence, crime / By /

In NSW, the stakes are high for a drug importation client. Our criminal lawyers in Sydney see these cases every day. In the following article, we list the most commonly asked questions about drug importation. Common Client Questions About Drug Importation in NSW: Who Are The Client? In most cases, drug importation clients are typically:

Most Common Client Questions About Drug Importation: Criminal Lawyers in Sydney Read More »

Most Common Client Questions About Drug Importation

Most Common Client Questions About Drug Possession In NSW

crime / By /

In Sydney, drug possession charges are very serious. In this article, we list the most commonly asked questions about drug possession. Drug Possession In NSW: Who Is Asking? Based on experience and broader legal search data, the typical drug possession client is: A music festival attendee caught by a sniffer dog (MDMA, cocaine, cannabis) A young

Most Common Client Questions About Drug Possession In NSW Read More »

Drug possession charges in NSW

ASIC Investigations in NSW: What Happens, What Your Rights Are, and Why Early Legal Advice Can Change Everything

crime / By /

ASIC Investigation in NSW, know everything you need to? If you’ve received a notice from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), or you suspect you’re being watched, the clock is already ticking. ASIC is one of Australia’s most powerful regulators, armed with extraordinary compulsory powers that can compel you to hand over documents, attend

ASIC Investigations in NSW: What Happens, What Your Rights Are, and Why Early Legal Advice Can Change Everything Read More »

50 dollar notes in Australian currency

History of Sydney One‑Punch & Lockout Laws

crime / By /

Alcohol-fuelled “king hit” assaults in Sydney led to some of the most significant criminal law and liquor licensing reforms in New South Wales. In recent history, the now-infamous CBD and Kings Cross lockout laws and the creation of specific “one‑punch” offences. Against that backdrop, common assault remains one of the most frequently charged offences in

History of Sydney One‑Punch & Lockout Laws Read More »

assault charges NSW

Our Criminal Solicitor Wilson Tighe Secured Bail for Client as Sydney Protest Arrests Continue

Criminal Defence / By /

Sydney Protest Arrests: O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors solicitor featured in SMH after securing bail for 18-year-old charged at Surry Hills demonstration The arrests stemming from this week’s Sydney protests continue to mount, with our firm’s criminal solicitor, Wilson Tighe, featured in The Sydney Morning Herald after successfully representing an 18-year-old charged with assaulting police

Our Criminal Solicitor Wilson Tighe Secured Bail for Client as Sydney Protest Arrests Continue Read More »

NSW Protest Laws

Suburbs in Sydney with the Highest and Lowest Crime Rates

Criminal Defence, report / By /

Sydney is a vibrant city with a diverse range of suburbs, each with its own unique characteristics and challenges. Understanding the crime rates in Sydney, across the different suburbs, provides valuable insights into their safety and security. This article explores the suburbs in Sydney with the highest and lowest crime rates, shedding light on the

Suburbs in Sydney with the Highest and Lowest Crime Rates Read More »

Crime stats in Sydney

Sydney Vape Importation Lawyers: Vape Importation Laws in Australia

crime / By /

Sydney Vape Importation Lawyers: Australia has implemented some of the world’s strictest regulations on vaping products, with significant criminal penalties now applying to the unlawful importation, supply, and commercial possession of vapes. If you’ve been charged with a vape-related offence, or are concerned about your legal exposure, understanding these laws is essential. The Crackdown on

Sydney Vape Importation Lawyers: Vape Importation Laws in Australia Read More »

Sydney Vape Importation Lawyers
Scroll to Top