02 9261 4281
02 9261 4281

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.

Stop and Search Powers: Protecting the Public or Eroding Civil Liberties?

Civil Law / By /

The horrifying attack at Westfield Bondi Junction has shaken Sydney and all of Australia. As we mourn the victims, a heated debate has swiftly emerged: should police have greater stop and search powers to prevent similar tragedies? In the wake of this violence, calls for proactive solutions are understandable. However, it’s crucial to weigh the

Stop and Search Powers: Protecting the Public or Eroding Civil Liberties? Read More »

affray charges

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

Vicarious liability means abuse survivors can hold institutions responsible Read More »

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

Breaking Down Section 203E: Bushfire Arson Read More »

feature image for bushfire arson, breaking down section 203E

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

Youth Diversion Programs Can Keep Minor Drug Offenders Out of Court Read More »

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

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

feature image for domestic violence high-risk dv offenders in NSW targeted in operation amarok 2 blog post

Recent Updates to Anti-Money Laundering Laws in NSW

police, crime, Criminal Defence / By /

Money laundering is the process of disguising the proceeds of illegal activity as legitimate funds. Anti-Money Laundering laws have been established to prevent this activity and to prosecute those who engage in it. In NSW, these laws have been strengthened with the passing of the Crimes Amendment (Money Laundering) Bill 2022, which came into effect

Recent Updates to Anti-Money Laundering Laws in NSW Read More »

Anti-money laundering laws in NSW (AML)

Record Low: Australia’s Homicide Incident Rate Drops to Second Lowest in Over 30 Years

Civil Law / By /

The Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) recently released a report on the homicide rate in Australia for the year 2020-2021. The report includes data from State and Territory police forces. It reveals that there were 210 homicide incidents on record, resulting in 221 victims and 263 identified offenders. Despite every incident being a tragedy, the

Record Low: Australia’s Homicide Incident Rate Drops to Second Lowest in Over 30 Years Read More »

Stanley v DPP [2023] HCA 3 and intensive correction orders – What It Means for Those Facing Jail

prison / By /

This week the High Court of Australia (HCA) handed down a favourable judgement in Stanley v DPP (Stanley). This is relevant for those looking to avoid full-time imprisonment (jail) and instead receive an intensive correction order (ICO). What is the difference between an intensive correction order and jail? Both jail and ICOs are forms of “imprisonment“.

Stanley v DPP [2023] HCA 3 and intensive correction orders – What It Means for Those Facing Jail Read More »

Stanley v DPP [2023] HCA 3 and intensive correction order

Can Nick Kyrgios’s Assault Charges be Dismissed? Mental Health Application Explainer

Civil Law / By /

Nick Kyrgios: A young man needing mental health care and assistance In this blog we examine Section 334 Applications under the Crimes Act 1900 (ACT) and Section 14 Applications under the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020 (NSW). We all know Nick Kyrgios as a 27-year-old Australian professional tennis player. He burst

Can Nick Kyrgios’s Assault Charges be Dismissed? Mental Health Application Explainer Read More »

Can Nick Kyrgios’s Assault Charges be Dismissed? feature image
Scroll to Top