Jan 21, 2021 | Criminal Law
You have been found guilty of, or plead guilty to, an offence and are now going to be given a sentence. In the state of Victoria, many factors are taken into account when sentencing, so it is essential to understand the process and factors that go into determining a...
Dec 13, 2020 | Criminal Law
When you watch television shows you sometimes see a person appealing a decision made by a court. While it looks easy on TV, in real life, an appeal is a bit more of a process. What is an appeal? An appeal is a procedure that allows someone to challenge a decision made...
Dec 3, 2020 | Criminal Law
Within Victoria’s Court System, there are several different courts and tribunals. Their role is to interpret the law, settle disputes, and impose penalties on those that have broken the law. The courts in Victoria are the: Magistrates’ Court County Court...
Nov 26, 2020 | Criminal Law
In Victoria, if you choose to plead guilty or if you are found guilty of a criminal offence you may get a conviction on your record even if you are not facing jail time or paying a fine. Sentencing without a conviction Occasionally, depending on the nature of the...
Nov 5, 2020 | Criminal Law
It is against the law to use, possess, cultivate or traffic drugs of dependence in Victoria. Common illegal drugs of dependence are: cannabis (marijuana) heroin amphetamines (speed) cocaine LSD MDMA (ecstasy) There is a full list of the kinds of drugs that are...
Oct 21, 2020 | Criminal Law
When people are accused of a crime, they worry about the punishment they might receive. Many first-time offenders are relieved when they receive a criminal conviction but no sentence, yet a conviction can be more of a punishment than a gaol sentence. Consequences of...