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Peter O'Brien

Peter O'Brien is the Principal Solicitor of O'Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors and Australia's leading expert in intentional torts litigation, with over 25 years of experience securing landmark victories in malicious prosecution and unlawful imprisonment cases. Author of Intentional Tort Litigation in Australia and recipient of the Law Council of Australia President's Medal, Peter has achieved record-breaking compensation for clients and is widely recognised for his unwavering commitment to access to justice.

NSW Introduces New Hate Crime Laws Targeting LGBTQIA+ Luring Offences

human rights, crime / By /

This week, the NSW Government introduced legislation to Parliament that would create new criminal offences targeting hate‑motivated attacks against the LGBTQIA+ community. The proposed new hate crime laws are significant, and anyone charged under these provisions, or anyone concerned about how they may be applied, needs to understand exactly what has changed. This legislation follows […]

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Peter O’Brien Secures Wrongful Prosecution Settlement for Newcastle Homeowner

Civil Law / By /

When serious criminal charges are brought without proper foundation, the consequences can be devastating. Our Sydney criminal defence lawyer, Peter O’Brien, principal of O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors, recently acted in one of New South Wales’ most high-profile wrongful prosecution claims. We secured a confidential damages settlement for Ben Batterham. The case drew national and

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From the Courtroom to the Spotlight: O’Brien Solicitors Named Criminal Defence Law Firm of the Year

Civil Law / By /

O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors has been recognised as ‘Criminal Defence Law Firm of the Year’ by Corporate LIVEWIRE, an accolade that honours not just our present success, but the foundation upon which our entire practice was built. In an era where our firm has become synonymous with high-profile civil litigation, suing police for misconduct,

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Criminal Defence Award sydney crime lalwyer

We’re Holding Institutions Accountable for Injustice

Civil Law / By /

Holding Institutions Accountable for Injustice: At O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors, we don’t back down from a fight, especially when powerful institutions harm everyday people. Whether it’s a public hospital, the NSW Police, the Catholic Church, or a juvenile detention centre, our civil team is relentless in its pursuit of justice. Here are four recent

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AA v Diocese

Media Release: Civil Proceedings Filed for Hannah Thomas

Civil Law / By /

O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors Commence Civil Proceedings Against NSW Police on Behalf of Hannah Thomas O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors has today filed civil proceedings in the Supreme Court of New South Wales on behalf of Hannah Thomas, arising from her arrest at the SEC Plating protests in Belmore earlier this year. The proceedings

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Vicarious liability means abuse survivors can hold institutions responsible

Civil Law / By /

Historical abuse emerged as a significant social issue over recent decades. However, claimants seeking compensation struggle to hold abusers accountable and receive fair compensation. Courts are reluctant to hold an organisation liable for deliberate, wrongful or criminal acts by its employees. The term for this is vicarious liability. This meant victims of abuse have had

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Vicarious liability: Abuse Survivors Can Use The Law To Hold institutions Responsible

Breaking Down Section 203E: Bushfire Arson

court, police, crime, Criminal Defence / By /

**Section 203E of the Crimes Act 1900** establishes an offence for intentionally causing a fire and being reckless as to the spread of the fire to vegetation on public land or land belonging to another. This bushfire arson offence carries a maximum penalty of 21 years’ imprisonment. Bushfire arson proof of intent Proof of intention

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Youth Diversion Programs Can Keep Minor Drug Offenders Out of Court

Criminal Defence / By /

If you are or someone you know is under 18 years of age and has been charged with a minor drug offence, there’s a way to avoid court proceedings. Under the Young Offenders Act 1997 (NSW), youth diversion programs can be granted to eligible individuals. Eligibility for Youth Diversion Programs: Under the law, young people under

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Youth Diversion Programs help those who face minor drug offences

High-Risk Domestic Violence Offenders in NSW Targeted In Operation Amarok II

Civil Law / By /

What is Operation Amarok II? This was a 4-day high-impact operation across NSW targeting the state’s most dangerous domestic violence high-risk offenders. The operation ran from Wednesday (19 April 2023) to Saturday (22 April 2023). Officers from all police area commands and police districts in NSW, as well as various proactive and specialist units, took

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