Assault Lawyers Central Coast 2250

Common Assault

Common Assault is the least serious form of assault. Threatening to harm or spitting on a person is considered a common assault. Likewise hitting, punching or kicking a person is also a Common Assault where there was no bodily harm or injury to the victim.

If you are charged with assault, you will have to go to Court. If convicted by the Court, you will have a criminal record, and you may face imprisonment.

An experienced assault lawyer may be able to persuade the Courts not to record a conviction against you and have the matter dealt with by way of a “section 10” or a no-conviction Conditional Release Order.

ABH – Actual Bodily Harm

Actual bodily harm is a temporary or permanent physical or psychiatric injury inflicted by one person on another. If you are charged with ABH, the penalties can be harsh.

A conviction for Actual Bodily Harm can result in 5 years imprisonment for assault resulting in wounding. A penalty of up to 7 years imprisonment is possible and if the offence is carried out in the company of another person, up to 10 years imprisonment may apply.

GBH – Grievous Bodily Harm

Grievous bodily harm occurs where the accused has maliciously inflicted a severe injury on someone. These offences occur when serious injury is occasioned and often involves the use of a weapon. GBH offences are not confined to intentional acts but also encompass “reckless” acts.

These offences are far more serious than Common Assault or ABH and will generally result in a custodial sentence on conviction. Standard non-parole periods apply.

Grievous Bodily Harm with Intent

This class of offences is the most serious of assaults that are just below an attempted murder charge and carry severe penalties. This assault is committed with a clear intention of causing a severe injury.

If convicted of Grievous Bodily Harm or Wounding with Intent, penalties of up to 25 years imprisonment are not uncommon.

Assault Police

Assaulting or harassing police when they are in the execution of their duty, even if in self-defence, is viewed very seriously by the Courts.

Quite often, the slightest contact with a police officer in the execution of their duty will result in you getting charged for assaulting police. You may have been wrongly charged with assaulting police, particularly when you have been injured or assaulted by a police officer.

We can build a strong defence for you if you feel wrongly charged with this offence.

PENALTIES & OFFENCES

COMMON ASSAULT- (LPC: 244/64782)
Crimes Act 1900, Section 6
Maximum Penalty:
›  Local Court:  2 years imprisonment, and or a fine of $5,500.
›  District Court:  2 years imprisonment.

ASSAULT OCCASIONING ACTUAL BODILY HARM - (LPC: 243/64780)
Crimes Act 1900, Section 59(1)
Maximum Penalty:
›  Local Court: 2 years imprisonment, and or a fine of $5,500.
›  District Court: 5 years imprisonment.

ASSAULT OCCASIONING ACTUAL BODILY HARM IN COMPANY - (LPC: 64781)
Crimes Act 1900, Section 59(2)
Maximum Penalty:
›  Local Court: 2 years imprisonment, and or a fine of $5,500.
›  District Court: 7 years imprisonment.

RECKLESS WOUNDING - (LPC: 77102/77103)
Crimes Act 1900, Section 35(4)
Maximum Penalty:
›  Local Court: 2 years imprisonment, and or a fine of $11,000.
›  District Court: 7 years imprisonment, with a 3 year standard non-parole period.

RECKLESS WOUNDING IN COMPANY - (LPC: 77100/77101)
Crimes Act 1900, Section 35(3)
Maximum Penalty:
›  Local Court: 2 years imprisonment, and or $11,000 fine.
›  District Court: 10 years imprisonment, with a 4 year standard non-parole period.

CAUSE GRIEVOUS BODILY HARM TO PERSON WITH INTENT - (LPC: 63628/64738)
Crimes Act 1900, Section 33(1)(b)
Maximum Penalty:
›  District Court: 25 years imprisonment, with a 7 year non-parole period.
›  Supreme Court: 25 years imprisonment, with a 7 year non-parole period.

RECKLESS GRIEVOUS BODILY HARM - (LPC: 77098/77099)
Crimes Act 1900, Section 35(2)
Maximum Penalty:
›  Local Court: 2 years imprisonment, and or a fine of $11,000.
›  District Court: 10 years imprisonment, with a 4 year standard non-parole period.

RECKLESS GRIEVOUS BODILY HARM IN COMPANY - (LPC: 77096/77097)
Crimes Act 1900, Section 35(1)
Maximum Penalty:
›  Local Court: 2 years imprisonment, and or a fine of $11,000.
›  District Court: 14 years imprisonment, with a 5 year standard non-parole period.

ASSAULT POLICE OFFICER IN EXECUTION OF DUTY (without Actual Bodily Harm) - (LPC: 21705)
Crimes Act 1900, Section 60(1)
Maximum Penalty:
›  Local Court: 2 years imprisonment, and or a fine of $5,500.
›  District Court: 5 years imprisonment.

ASSAULT POLICE OFFICER IN EXECUTION OF DUTY (cause Actual Bodily Harm) - (LPC: 21709)
Crimes Act 1900, Section 60(2)
Maximum Penalty:
›  Local Court: 2 years imprisonment, and or a fine of $11,000.
›  District Court: 7 years imprisonment, with a 3 year standard non-parole period.

We are here to help

Fourtree Lawyers have extensive experience defending clients on the Central Coast facing assault charges in Court. From minor Common Assaults to those resulting in serious injury.

Your lawyer can explain and guide you through the entire Court process and work with you to minimise the legal ramifications of your offence.

If a Section 10 or a no-conviction Conditional Release Order is not appropriate, our assault lawyers can help reduce any penalties, minimise any fines you may face and help you avoid or minimise a gaol term.

Contact our Central Coast Lawyers on 1300 529 444 as soon as possible. The earlier we can start building the strongest case possible, the higher your chance of getting the best outcome.

DEFENCES FOR ASSAULT

If you wish to plead “guilty”, we will explain the reasons for the offence, including any exceptional circumstances particular to your case, to enable the court to take everything into consideration when making a determination.

Possible defences for Assault may include:

  • Duress – where the victim threatened to harm you, your family
  • Self-defence – you were defending or protecting yourself
  • Provocation – you were provoked by the victim
  • Necessity – where you or someone else was in imminent peril
  • Lawful correction – correcting or punishing a child

Call our Assault Offence Specialists on 1300 529 444 or a free case assessment to see if any of these defences apply.

PENALTIES FOR ASSAULT

In NSW the following penalties can be imposed by the Court for Assault Offences

  • Section 10 (1)(a)
  • Section 10 (1)(c)
  • Conditional Release Order - without conviction
  • Section 10A
  • Fine
  • Conditional Release order - with conviction
  • Community Correction Order
  • Intensive Correction Order
  • Up to 25 year’s imprisonment

To determine which likely penalties apply, call our Assault Offence Specialists on 1300 529 444 or a free case assessment.


Services

Testimonials  

  • Kevin and Jane are without a doubt 100% there to support you through Your whole ordeal reassuring you all the way My experience from finding Fourtree Lawyers on Google in a fairly unsure position, reading the reviews to the successful outcomes was the only referral I had, believe me when I say you will be happy with their experience in all fields of law which is insurmountable and they will obtain the best favourable outcome in any circumstance. Fourtree Lawyers are there for you to bring things back into perspective...

    RS - Port Macquarie

  • “Kevin and Jane were my “knights in shining armour.” I can’t thank these two people enough. They gave their everything and most important believed me when I told them my story. I am forever grateful for their professional attitude and for giving 100% to free me from my nightmare. I was able to plead guilty but also most importantly was not forced to lie and compromise my integrity and own personal values and standards. I was very happy with the outcome and the way I was treated. They communicated constantly...

    VR - Charmhaven

  • Had the most amazing experience with Fourtree Lawyers kevin vierboom who represented my partner was helpful and understanding and we got a great result better then expected ? jane hogan, I was so blessed to have her by my side. They are an amazing team and i would recommend them to everyone also great value for money. Especially considering i only called the morning of the court case and they were all over it at my bek and call thankyou so much guys im so appreciative for all your help today

    AB - Budgewoi

  • I was lucky enough to have Kevin take my case and am truly grateful for the services he and his team provided. From the outset, I was made to feel comfortable and knew from the first time meeting with them that they would go above and beyond to get the best possible outcome and that is exactly what they did. Fourtree Lawyers provides exceptional service with outstanding results and I would recommend Kevin to anyone and everyone who is in need of these services.

    OC - Avoca Beach

Court Results

COMMON ASSAULT x 2 | No Conviction CRO

No conviction CRO | 2 x Common Assault (DV) | Wyong Local Court |

Our client is a 37-year-old female who lives on the Central Coast with her husband and 3 children. She works part-time and supports her husband who suffers from chronic back pain and is unable to work.

Our client had been in the middle of cooking a meal for her family when a relative entered her home and confronted her about a longstanding issue. A disagreement took place and a physical exchange ensued. Our client was charged with 2 counts of Common Assault. Each offence carries a maximum penalty of 2 years imprisonment and a $5,500. A conviction for an assault-related offence would have seen our client’s ability to work in aged care and be involved in her children’s school in jeopardy. Solicitor Denise McCarthy made submissions to the Magistrate as to our client’s sincere remorse, her previous good character, unblemished record and contribution to the community.

The Magistrate found our client guilty of the offence however without proceeding to conviction ordered him to enter into a Conditional Release Order with a 12-month good behaviour bond. This is similar to a Section 10(1)(b) under the new sentencing reforms. Our client was extremely relieved to be able to maintain her clean criminal record and to finally put this unfortunate incident behind them.

2 x ASSAULT ABH & AFFRAY | Case Dismissed

Case Dismissed |  Affray, 2 x Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm T2 | Gosford Local Court 

Our client, a 24-year-old male who lives on the Central Coast with his partner, was charged with affray and 2 counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm T2. The maximum penalties for these offences are 10 years imprisonment and 5 years imprisonment respectively. Solicitor Kevin Vierboom conducted negotiations with the police to obtain agreed facts in this matter. Mr. Vierboom made extensive submissions to the Court with regard to whether or not the conduct by our client was unlawful in the circumstances of this case. Following consideration of these submissions, the Magistrate formed the view that our client’s conduct was indeed not unlawful in the circumstances.  The Magistrate dismissed the matter and our client was free to go. Our client was extremely grateful for the outcome of this case.

COMMON ASSAULT, INTIMIDATE | Section 32

Section 32 - Common Assault, Stalk Intimidate - Gosford Local Court - 19/10/2017

Our client was a 42 year old male, the father of a young child who was embroiled in a family law dispute. He had been retired from the Police Force with PSTD after a distinguished career of service to the community. He was charged with common assault and stalk intimidate after a misunderstanding during an arranged parenting handover. He strenuously denied the allegations and after all of the aspects of the case were considered solicitor Kevin Vierboom made a Section 32 Application under the Mental Health (Forensic Provisions) Act 1990. After hearing extensive oral and written submissions and consideration of a detailed psychiatric report, Magistrate Brennan allowed the section 32 application and dismissed the charges on the condition that our client enter into treatment under the care of his psychologist.

ASSAULT OCCASIONING ABH | Charge Dismissed

Charge dismissed | Assault occasioning actual bodily harm | Kempsey Local Court 

Our client, a 44-year-old who is a FIFO mine worker in Perth and the Northern Territory, was charged with the offence of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The maximum penalty for this offence is 5 years imprisonment and our client faced the prospect of losing his employment in the mines with a criminal conviction.

Our client entered a "not guilty" plea and Solicitor Kevin Vierboom represented our client in the defended hearing at Kempsey Court. Extensive submissions were made by Mr Vierboom during cross examination with regard to the timing, admissibility and strength of the prosecutions evidence before the Court. The Police Prosecutor vigorously defended their case however after consideration of the submissions, Magistrate Thomas dismissed the charges.

Our client was extremely relieved with the outcome and was able to move on with his life without the burden of a criminal conviction on his record.

ASSAULT ABH, BREACH AVO | Charges Withdrawn

Charges Withdrawn | Assault Occasioning ABH and Contravene ADVO | Gosford Local Court 

Our client, a 27-year-old male who lives with his wife on the Central Coast. He was initially charged with Breach of AVO, Common Assault and Intentionally Choke. The maximum penalty for Intentionally Choke is imprisonment for 10 years. Our client was on a Student Visa undergoing an application to become a permanent resident and was at risk of being deported.

Solicitor Kevin Vierboom made extensive submissions to the Magistrate who ordered a 12-month Intensive Corrections Order. Our client was very relieved with this outcome. However, eight days after sentencing our client was accused of contacting and assaulting the victim which he strenuously denied. He was subsequently charged with Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (ABH) and Contravene an ADVO.

Our client was taken into custody and refused bail. The maximum penalty for Assault Occasioning ABH is 5 years imprisonment. At the Courthouse, Solicitor Kevin Vierboom entered into negotiations with the Police Prosecutor and the charges were eventually withdrawn due to lack of evidence.

Our client was extremely relieved. He was immediately released from custody.

COMMON ASSAULT | CRO No Conviction

Common Assault | Conditional Release Order without Conviction | Gosford Local Court  

Our client is a 22-year-old male who lives on the Central Coast. He uses sign language as his main form of communication as he was born profoundly deaf. There were several challenges to overcome in relation to conferences with our client and at Court. An Auslan interpreter was arranged to appear with our client at each Court attendance in order to interpret the Court proceedings

Our client was charged with Common Assault following a dispute with his housemate who is also profoundly deaf.

The maximum penalty for the offence of Common Assault is a fine of $5,500 and/or imprisonment for 2 years.

Our client had never come to the attention of the Police previously and had never appeared before a Court. The thought of this process was very distressing for him and caused him considerable anxiety.

Principal Solicitor Kevin Vierboom made representations to Police to amend the ‘agreed facts’. Kevin attended Gosford Local Court for the sentencing and made submissions in mitigation of the penalty. Our client was found guilty, but without proceeding to conviction, and sentenced to a Conditional Release Order for 12 months.

Our client and his parents were overjoyed with the outcome and the fact that a conviction was not recorded against him. He is exceedingly happy that he can now put this experience behind him and move on with his life and career.

COMMON ASSAULT T2 | Charge Dismissed

Charge dismissed | Common Assault T2 | Gosford Local Court 

Our client is a 48-year-old male who lives on the Central Coast. He is employed as a cleaner and has 3 daughters. He had been in a 9-month relationship with a new partner (the alleged victim) up to the date of the alleged incident. Our client was charged with Common Assault under s61 of the Crimes Act 1900, an offence carrying a penalty of up to 2 years imprisonment and a $5,500 fine.

On the day in question our client picked up the alleged victim upon her return from Sydney. After driving her home, an altercation took place where an allegation of domestic violence (common assault) was made by the alleged victim. The alleged victim attended Gosford Police Station 6 days later.

Our client instructed us that he had not touched the alleged victim. The matter was set down for hearing at Gosford Local Court on the 4th October 2018. Our solicitor Kevin Vierboom made submissions to the Magistrate that there was insufficient evidence to find a conviction for common assault. The Magistrate found that there was insufficient evidence to prove the prosecution’s case beyond reasonable doubt, resulting in the charges against our client being dismissed.

COMMON ASSAULT, DDP, LARCENY | Dismissed

Common Assault, Destroy or Damage Property, Larceny | All Charges Dismissed | Wyong Local Court 

Our client is a 56 year old male who holds university qualifications in education.

Our client was involved in an ongoing dispute over borrowed money and power tools. He was referred to us by a friend of his who had been represented by Fourtree Lawyers. 

Our client was extremely troubled by the situation in which he found himself. He was concerned about the impact that a criminal conviction would have on his career. After reviewing the Police Facts with our legal team, our client instructed us to enter a plea of "not guilty" to each of the alleged charges. 

The maximum penalty in the Local Court for Common Assault is a fine of $5,500 and/or imprisonment for 2 years. The maximum penalty for Destroy or Damage Property is a fine of $2,200 and/or imprisonment for two years. The maximum penalty for Larceny is a fine of $2,200 and/or imprisonment for 2 years.

Principal Solicitor Kevin Vierboom attended Wyong Local Court for a defended hearing. After Mr Vierboom's extensive cross examination of the Police, the victim, the witnesses and the defendant the Magistrate ordered that all three charges against our client be dismissed.

The client was overjoyed with the result. It was such a relief for him to have all the charges dismissed and have the matter finalised in such a positive way.

COMMON ASSAULT & ADVO | Both Dismissed

Common Assault & ADVO | Dismissed | Gosford Local Court 

Our client is a 47-year-old male who lives with his fiancée, her two children and his two children 50% of the time.

Our client’s stepson has a history of violent physical outburst which had been getting considerable worse. On the day of the incident our client and his fiancée were at home with her children and her daughter’s friend. Her son began to get angry and violent and it escalated to a point where he was both a danger to his sister and her friend but also himself. Our client was asked by his partner for help in calming his stepson down. In the process our client restrained the child to ensure the safety of all parties. A neighbour saw this occur and called the Police.

The Police attended the home and our client complied fully. Our client was notified of an interim AVO being put into place and was charged with Common Assault T2 which carries a maximum penalty of 2 years imprisonment and/or a fine of $5,500.00.

A not guilty plea was entered. Solicitor Erin Nulty and Barrister John O’Sullivan attended upon Gosford Local Court. Prior to the hearing it was conceded by the Police Prosecutor that he would not be able to disprove self-defense. This was then raised with the Magistrate who saw it fit to dismiss the charge and the Application for the AVO.

Our client was overjoyed with the result and the dismissal of the charge and the AVO.

ASSAULT ABH, DDP | Section 10(1)(b)

Section 10(1)(b) | Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm and Destroy Damage Property |  Gosford District Court 

Our client, a 35-year-old female who lives in Sydney was charged with Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm and Destroy or Damage to Property. The maximum penalty for this offence is 5 years imprisonment. Our client is a highly regarded health professional. She was previously a person of good character and was very remorseful for her actions. She was undergoing treatment for depression and anxiety at the time and a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder was made after the incident.

At first instance, the Local Court Magistrate convicted our client and imposed a Section 9 good behaviour bond. A decision was made to appeal the severity of the sentence to the District Court as a criminal conviction would have ended her career. Solicitor Kevin Vierboom made extensive submissions to the Judge on appeal who, after some persuasion dismissed the charges and ordered a 2-year period of good behaviour under section 10(1)(b).

Our client was extremely relieved at the outcome of her case.

COMMON ASSAULT | Charges Dismissed

Charges Dismissed, Costs Order Made against the Police | Common Assault | Gosford Local Court 

Our client was a 27-year-old male charged with a domestic violence-related common assault. Solicitor Kevin Vierboom prepared the case following a plea of "not guilty".

After a hearing which spanned three separate court appearances, the Magistrate ruled that the prosecution witnesses were unreliable and the charges were dismissed.

An order for costs was granted by the court in relation to a vacated court date.

ASSAULT OCCASIONING ABH | CRO Without Conviction

Case Dismissed |  Affray, 2 x Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm T2 | Gosford Local Court 

Our client, a 24-year-old male who lives on the Central Coast with his partner, was charged with affray and 2 counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm T2. The maximum penalties for these offences are 10 years imprisonment and 5 years imprisonment respectively. Solicitor Kevin Vierboom conducted negotiations with the police to obtain agreed facts in this matter. Mr. Vierboom made extensive submissions to the Court with regard to whether or not the conduct by our client was unlawful in the circumstances of this case. Following consideration of these submissions, the Magistrate formed the view that our client’s conduct was indeed not unlawful in the circumstances.  The Magistrate dismissed the matter and our client was free to go. Our client was extremely grateful for the outcome of this case.

COMMON ASSAULT | All Charges Withdrawn

COMMON ASSAULT, INTENTIONALLY CHOKE WITHOUT CONSENT, AVO | ALL CHARGES WITHDRAWN | CESSNOCK LC

Our client resides in the Hunter region and instructed us to defend the alleged serious charges levelled against him. The maximum penalty for common assault is 2 years imprisonment and/or $5,500 fine. The intentional choke offence carries a 2 years imprisonment and $11,000 fine.

Principal Solicitor, Kevin Vierboom had worked with our client to ascertain his version of events and provided guidance on the hearing process. Through the adjournment representations were sought with Police however the matter proceeded to hearing. On the day of hearing the main complainant did not appear, as such all charges were withdrawn.

Our client was relieved that he did not have to go through with the hearing of the application and can move past the events that took place and get on with his life.

COMMON ASSAULT | Intensive Corrections Order

COMMON ASSAULT (DV) x2, CONTRAVENE AVO (DV), STALK/INTIMIDATE INTEND FEAR PHYSICAL ETC HARM (DV) | INTENSIVE CORRECTION ORDER 16 Mths | GOSFORD LC

Our client has a lengthy criminal history involving problematic alcohol dependency and associated offending. His personal and social circumstances were one in which significant conflicts were present, in particular, few rewards or positive support from his peers, often accepting of criminal behaviours.

The maximum penalty for these offence offences range from 2 years imprisonment to $5,500 fines. Senior Solicitor Luke Del Monte worked with our client to ascertain his version and understanding the clients subjective and risk factors. There was a real risk the client would be sentenced to imprisonment. Submissions were made to the court focusing on our clients background, the circumstances surrounding the offence and his alcohol dependency with material in support tendered to the court.

Having regard to the submissions, the magistrate saw fit to impose an Intensive Correction Order for 16 months, with supervision.

Our client was happy with the result as he could now undertake the intervention needed in the community.

MULTIPLE CHARGES | Withdrawn and Dismissed

Charges Withdrawn | Assault Occasioning ABH and Contravene ADVO | Gosford Local Court 

Our client, a 27-year-old male who lives with his wife on the Central Coast. He was initially charged with Breach of AVO, Common Assault and Intentionally Choke. The maximum penalty for Intentionally Choke is imprisonment for 10 years. Our client was on a Student Visa undergoing an application to become a permanent resident and was at risk of being deported.

Solicitor Kevin Vierboom made extensive submissions to the Magistrate who ordered a 12-month Intensive Corrections Order. Our client was very relieved with this outcome. However, eight days after sentencing our client was accused of contacting and assaulting the victim which he strenuously denied. He was subsequently charged with Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (ABH) and Contravene an ADVO.

Our client was taken into custody and refused bail. The maximum penalty for Assault Occasioning ABH is 5 years imprisonment. At the Courthouse, Solicitor Kevin Vierboom entered into negotiations with the Police Prosecutor and the charges were eventually withdrawn due to lack of evidence.

Our client was extremely relieved. He was immediately released from custody.

ASSAULT OFFICER | CRO Without Conviction Six Months

Obstruct or hinder ambulance officer providing or attempting to provide service to another | Conditional Release Order without conviction six months | Wyong Local Court.

Our client is a 68-year-old male who resides in Wyong and suffers from severe mental illness. At the time of the offence, our client’s daughter phoned an ambulance for help for her father’s mental health. Upon arrival, consent for treatment was implied after our client opened the front door and gestured for the paramedics to come inside. Our client became aggressive and abusive, yelling and eventually striking one of the paramedics. Our client was sedated and taken to Wyong hospital where he was arrested and cautioned.

The maximum penalty this offence carries is 50 penalty units and/or two years imprisonment. The magistrate was satisfied with character references solicitor Luke Del Monte put before the court which stated that our client was experiencing a mental health episode at the time of the offence.

The magistrate also placed the severity of our client’s act on the lower side, noting his age, lack of criminal history and continued rehab. Our client was sentenced to a Conditional Release Order for six months without conviction. Our client was pleased with this result.

COMMON ASSAULT | Dismissed Final AVO

Charge dismissed | Common Assault T2 | Gosford Local Court 

Our client is a 48-year-old male who lives on the Central Coast. He is employed as a cleaner and has 3 daughters. He had been in a 9-month relationship with a new partner (the alleged victim) up to the date of the alleged incident. Our client was charged with Common Assault under s61 of the Crimes Act 1900, an offence carrying a penalty of up to 2 years imprisonment and a $5,500 fine.

On the day in question our client picked up the alleged victim upon her return from Sydney. After driving her home, an altercation took place where an allegation of domestic violence (common assault) was made by the alleged victim. The alleged victim attended Gosford Police Station 6 days later.

Our client instructed us that he had not touched the alleged victim. The matter was set down for hearing at Gosford Local Court on the 4th October 2018. Our solicitor Kevin Vierboom made submissions to the Magistrate that there was insufficient evidence to find a conviction for common assault. The Magistrate found that there was insufficient evidence to prove the prosecution’s case beyond reasonable doubt, resulting in the charges against our client being dismissed.

COMMON ASSAULT | Dismissed

Common assault, stalk/intimidate, contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO | Dismissed + backdated imprisonment | Newcastle Local Court

Our client is a 51-year-old man who resides in Newcastle.

Our client and the victim had been in a domestic relation for eight to 10 years and had a six-year-old son. An Apprehended Violence Order had already been served on our client prior to this incident.

At the time of the incident an argument ensued after the victim asked our client why a $50 note in her wallet was missing. Our client said he had taken it and threw the victim to the ground. Later in the afternoon, our client lost his cigarettes and argued again with the victim – resulting in him taking her phone and throwing her to the ground again, their six-year-old son was present.

Police were called shortly after the victim’s phone was returned and the Apprehended Violence Order was varied so he could no longer reside with her.

The charges of common assault, stalk/intimidate and contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO carry a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment and/or a fine of $5500 respectfully.

At court, the magistrate was satisfied with submissions made by solicitor James Clements. He dismissed the charges of common assault and stalk/intimidate and backdated the sentence of four months imprisonment as our client had been placed in custody.

Our client was happy with this result.

ASSAULT OCCASIONING ABH | Section 10A First Offence

Enter enclosed lands without lawful excuse and assault occasioning actual bodily harm | S.10A and Conviction | Belmont Local Court

Our client is a 29-year-old male who resides in Lake Macquarie.
At the time of the incident, our client entered a workplace to look for employment. He was informed there were no jobs, and the facility was in lockdown due to Covid-19.

Our client refused to leave when asked multiple times and allegedly approached the victim and slammed a metal and glass door into her which trapped her arm and resulted in bruising and lacerations.

The police were called, and our client was cautioned and arrested.

The maximum penalty for enter enclosed lands without lawful excuse is an $11,000 fine and/or 12 months imprisonment and assault occasioning actual bodily harm attracts five years imprisonment or seven years if committed in company.

At court, our client entered an early plea of guilty which assisted him in his sentence. Solicitor Ofeina Hushon submitted character references as well as a letter of acceptance into a rehabilitation facility. Our client also presented himself to the emergency department regarding his mental health hours before the offence.

The Magistrate accepted our client’s behaviour was affected by mental health and gave our client a Section 10A for the first offence and a conviction and imprisonment sentence for the second, which was backdated to the time our client began time in custody.

Our client was pleased with the result.

COMMON ASSAULT | Dismissed

Section 10(1)(b) | Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm and Destroy Damage Property |  Gosford District Court 

Our client, a 35-year-old female who lives in Sydney was charged with Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm and Destroy or Damage to Property. The maximum penalty for this offence is 5 years imprisonment. Our client is a highly regarded health professional. She was previously a person of good character and was very remorseful for her actions. She was undergoing treatment for depression and anxiety at the time and a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder was made after the incident.

At first instance, the Local Court Magistrate convicted our client and imposed a Section 9 good behaviour bond. A decision was made to appeal the severity of the sentence to the District Court as a criminal conviction would have ended her career. Solicitor Kevin Vierboom made extensive submissions to the Judge on appeal who, after some persuasion dismissed the charges and ordered a 2-year period of good behaviour under section 10(1)(b).

Our client was extremely relieved at the outcome of her case.

COMMON ASSAULT | Dismissed

Common Assault (DV related) | Dismissed + Final AVO | Gosford Local Court

Our client is a 50-year-old male who resides on the Central Coast.

His daughter had been home from school due to illness a day before the incident.

On the day of the alleged assault our client told his daughter to get out of bed and go to school despite her saying she was still unwell. This resulted in an argument between the two.

The daughter went downstairs to get some food and another argument ensued, resulting in her throwing the bowl into the kitchen.
She then went back to her bedroom and our client pulled her out of bed and pushed her to the ground.

She called the police shortly afterwards.

Our client made a full admission to the assault, resulting in his arrest.

The victim did not attend court after receiving legal advice, so police prosecutors could not continue with the charges, however, they proceeded with the Apprehended Violence Order given the complainant’s age.

Solicitor Luke Del Monte suggested a six-month AVO without admissions to avoid any further court proceedings, which was agreed to by the client and the police. The Magistrate also consented to this.

Our client and his wife were pleased with this result and relieved the matter was settled and no criminal record was given.

ASSAULT OCCASIONING ABH | Dismissed

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm; destroy/damage property; stalk/intimidate;  ADVO | Withdrawn & Dismissed | Newcastle Local Court 

Our client is a 38-year-old male who resides in Newcastle.

He was in a relationship with the victim for seven years prior to the incident. The pair had engaged in an argument relating to the victim’s children which were from a previous relationship. Our client returned home and allegedly broke the backdoor to gain access to the premises, yelled at the victim to get out of his house and allegedly assaulted her.

The maximum penalty for assault occasioning actual bodily harm is five years jail; destroy/damage property is two years jail or a fine of $2200; and stalk/intimidate is five years jail and/or a fine of $550.

At court, our client plead not guilty to the above offences, and solicitor James Clements was in attendance with our client. However, the victim/complainant was not present for proceeding. Prosecution officers attempted to contact her but she could not attend.

As such the matter was withdrawn and charges dismissed.

Our client was pleased with this result.

INDECENT ASSAULT | Not Guilty

Indecent assault and sexual intercourse without consent | Not Guilty | Newcastle District Court

Our client is a 22-year-old male who resides in Sydney’s south west.

At the time of the offence, our client was 18 years old and was drinking with the victim at his home in Lake Macquarie. Our client allegedly told the victim to break up with her partner and expressed his desires to have sexual intercourse with her, which made her uncomfortable.

It was also alleged our client attempted to remove the victim’s pants, forced himself onto her to have sexual intercourse and told her to keep it a secret.

Police were informed of the incident and contacted our client who exercised his right to remain silent and not participate in an interview.

The maximum penalty for indecent assault is two years imprisonment and/or a fine of $5500 while sexual intercourse without consent is 14 years imprisonment with a seven-year non-parole period.

Over the course of a four-day trial, solicitor Laura Horton submitted defense witness statements and cross examined the complainant as well as crown witnesses. On the final day the jury came to the unanimous decision that our client was not guilty of all charges.

Our client was extremely pleased with this result.

Client Reviews

To Kevin, Jane and especially M/s Denise McCarthy, This is the 2nd time you have helped us with a MUCH better than expected outcome. The professional, dedicated detail and representation which was provided to us has resulted on both occasions an outcome far surpassing our expectations. We highly recommend Fourtree Lawyers to anyone requiring legal representation and cannot give enough praise to Denise McCarthy for her expertise advice and presentation. Thanking all at Fourtree Lawyers Merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year

KW★★★★★