|
|
|
|
|
At BRRT we know and appreciate that most people dragged into the criminal courts are not actually “criminals”. Rather they are ordinary people who have made an uncharacteristic mistake, got caught up in a situation which got out of hand or was beyond their control, or (worst of all) been accused of something they simply didn’t do.
 Many of our clients have never been in trouble with the police before and have no idea what to do, or what to expect. Many people worry themselves sick about having committed an offence when in fact once we analyse the situation it becomes clear that they are not guilty of anything. Some worry about receiving a heavy penalty, when in fact we can often help them get a lenient one and sometimes no penalty at all. Some people think the charges laid against them are insignificant and they will merely receive a slap on the wrist, when actually they are facing gaol!
In all of these cases (as in so many aspects of life) knowledge is the key. If you have been charged with a criminal offence BRRT have the knowledge and experience to enable you to understand your position, to help you decide what to do and to guide you through the Court process to obtain the best possible outcome. Our lawyers appear in Courts all over Sydney. We know the law and can advise you about your rights. We can deal with the police for you. We also know the practice – the way the courts work, what diversionary & rehabilitation programs are available to you, how best to address individual magistrates in different types of cases.
At BRRT we believe it is crucial to look at the impact of your criminal case on other aspects of your life – family, health, employment/career - and to work with you to make sure the approach to your case includes consideration of these crucial aspects. For example, we often find that clients have latent mental health issues, such as ADHD, bi-polar disorder, depression or anxiety, which can explain and perhaps mitigate their offending behaviour. We know how important it can be to identify and explore these issues and carefully convey an understanding of their relevance to the Court, so that our client’s offence is seen in its full context.
Being dragged into the criminal justice system is a daunting, disorientating and distressing experience. At BRRT we will guide you through it with minimal stress and will work with you towards the best possible outcome. We listen, explain and make sure you understand. Our primary concern is to protect you and to help you come through with your life intact.
For advice and/or representation in court for criminal or traffic matters, contact BRRT now: Karen Weeks (m) 0419 465 890 (e) karen@brrt.net.au
Brad Watts (m) 0416 041 572 (e) brad@brrt.net.au
A few very important things to remember if you find yourself involved with the criminal law:
-
You have a RIGHT TO SILENCE. This is part of what the law calls the PRIVILEGE AGAINST SELF-INCRIMINATION. This means that you do not have to answer questions from the police. You especially do not have to participate in a Record of Interview conducted by police, whether at the police station or otherwise. The only exception to this is when you are involved in a motor vehicle collision, when you must give details of the owner/driver of the car and sometimes a version of what happened. Otherwise, whether the police are at your door, in the pub or on the street, you do not have to talk to them. If you do talk to them, anything you say can and WILL be used in evidence against you. Silence in the face of police questioning is your RIGHT and your PRIVILEGE – you should not give that away lightly! At BRRT we know – through long experience – that it can be very difficult to exercise this right and to claim this privilege on your own. You need a lawyer to help you protect yourself. Contact us BEFORE you speak to the police and let us deal with them for you.
-
The police cannot enter your home without your permission or a search warrant, unless they have a genuine concern for your well-being or they believe a crime is occurring. When a police officer says “may we come in” (usually followed by “to discuss the matter”) you are perfectly entitled to say “No”. Again, this is often a difficult right to exercise – if there are three large policemen at your door, for example. You need a lawyer to help you protect yourself.
-
 You should never blindly accept what the police tell you. There are some excellent police officers out there doing a difficult job well, but there are also some very inexperienced and unreliable officers. It is not unusual for police to say things like:
-
“look, if you talk to us we probably won’t charge you” - mostly, they will;
-
“we just need to record your refusal to be interviewed” - no, they don’t;
-
“you won’t need a lawyer, mate” – yes, you will!
-
A criminal conviction can have long-term and far-reaching consequences. Depending what you are convicted of, it can impact upon your employment opportunities, both in the private and public sector, your ability to get insurance and the amount of your insurance premiums, your ability to get a visa for travel overseas, your ability to join and be involved with community groups and activities and your eligibility to hold various licences. For more than 22 years BRRT have been assisting all types of people from all walks of life to avoid a criminal conviction, for all sorts of different offences. Talk to us about your prospects of avoiding a conviction.
-
You often don’t need a barrister for a criminal case, unless the charge is quite serious, or the case is very complex, however when you do it is crucial to get the right barrister for your case. Over the years BRRT has developed strong and successful working relationships with some of the best criminal defence barristers in Sydney and we can help you choose and instruct the right barrister to work on your case. We will liaise with the barrister for you, enter into a written agreement for their fees and keep you fully informed about the barrister’s advice and their strategy for the case.
For more information contact BRRT on 9542-3255.
|
|
|