What to do if I am accused of a crime?

If you are accused of a crime, it is important to stay calm and protect your legal rights from the outset. Do not speak to police or anyone else about the allegation, and do not make any statements or admissions, as anything you say may be used against you. You have the right to remain silent and should exercise that right until you have received legal advice. Contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible, follow their advice carefully, and keep any documents or information that may be relevant to your case, as getting early legal guidance can significantly affect the outcome.

Should I plead guilty or not guilty?

Whether you should plead guilty or not guilty depends on the specific circumstances of your case and should only be decided after obtaining legal advice. You should not enter a plea until you have fully understood the charges, the evidence against you, and your available legal options. An experienced lawyer can review the facts of your case, advise you on the strength of the prosecution's evidence, explain the potential consequences of each plea, and help you make an informed decision that is in your best interests.

Is it possible to avoid a conviction for a first offence?

Yes, in some cases it may be possible to avoid a conviction for a first offence, depending on the nature of the charge, the circumstances of the offence, and your personal background. Courts may consider alternatives such as a dismissal, conditional release order, or other non-conviction outcomes, particularly where the offence is less serious and you have no prior criminal history. An experienced lawyer can assess your situation, present your case effectively to the court, and advise you on the best strategy to maximise your chances of avoiding a conviction.

Do you offer free consultation for criminal law matters?

Yes — we offer a free initial consultation for criminal law matters so you can discuss your situation, understand your options, and get clear legal guidance before deciding how to proceed, with no obligation to retain us.

Do you offer fixed fees?

Yes — we offer fixed-fee options for many criminal law services so you can have clarity and confidence about your legal costs upfront, avoiding unexpected fees and making it easier to budget for your defence.

How do I get a divorce?

In Australia, you can apply for a divorce once you have been separated from your spouse for at least 12 months and there is no reasonable likelihood of reconciliation. Divorce applications are made through the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia and can be filed jointly or by one party alone. You do not need to prove fault, but you must satisfy the court that proper arrangements have been made for any children under 18. While you can apply on your own, obtaining legal advice can help ensure the process is completed correctly and that your rights regarding property, finances, and parenting matters are properly protected.

How does family law court divide marital assets?

The family law court divides marital assets using a structured process rather than an automatic 50/50 split. The court first identifies and values all assets and liabilities of both parties, including property, superannuation, savings, and debts. It then considers each party's financial and non-financial contributions, such as income, caregiving, and homemaking roles, as well as future needs including age, health, earning capacity, and care of children. Finally, the court assesses whether the proposed division is just and equitable in all the circumstances.

How does the family law court make decision about the custody of children?

When making decisions about the custody of children, the family law court's primary consideration is the best interests of the child. The court assesses factors such as the child's safety, their relationship with each parent, each parent's ability to provide for the child's physical, emotional, and developmental needs, and the benefit of the child having a meaningful relationship with both parents where it is safe to do so. The court may also consider the child's views, depending on their age and maturity, as well as any history of family violence or neglect, before making parenting orders that best support the child's wellbeing.

Police identify key shooting suspect as flurry of raids rock city

Police Identify Shooting Suspect as Raids Sweep Across Sydney

Police allege Anthony Pele carried out the Greenacre shooting that left one man dead and seriously injured two others.

Investigators claim the 22-year-old opened fire on three innocent people in Greenacre on July 23 before fleeing Australia just hours later. Police believe he is now in Indonesia.

On Wednesday, NSW Police secured an arrest warrant for Pele on a murder charge. Investigators allege he fatally shot 22-year-old Ahmad Al-Azzam and seriously injured Kaashif Richards, 25, and Achiraya Jantharat, 19.

Director of State Crime Command Detective Chief Superintendent Jason Weinstein described the shooting as one of the worst crimes he has witnessed during nearly three decades investigating organised crime.

“From my point of view, this is one of the most callous crimes that I have seen in my 28 years investigating organised crime,” Det Supt Weinstein said.

He said the victims had no involvement in organised crime or any criminal activity.

“It would be like your brother or sister pulling off to a side street at 2am in the morning, for whatever reason. They were conducting lawful activity and minding their own business.”

“They are not connected in any way, shape or form to any criminal activity and have not been in their lifetime. That is what makes this so heinous.”

Police Conduct Raids Across Sydney

Police carried out coordinated raids across Sydney and arrested eight people they allege have links to either the Greenacre shooting or the Haouchar organised crime network (OCN).

Investigators arrested Marko Saric, 24, and Ayman Manly, 40, during dawn raids at waterfront apartments in Drummoyne. Police allege both men played roles within the Haouchar OCN, which exiled underworld figure Bilal Haouchar allegedly leads.

According to police, an ongoing conflict between the Haouchar network and the Comanchero outlaw motorcycle gang sparked the Greenacre shooting.

Police took Saric to Burwood Police Station and charged him with murder, two counts of shooting with intent to murder and participating in a criminal group. Investigators allege he collected Pele shortly after the shooting on Mayvic Street.

Saric’s solicitor, Talal Krayem, asked the court to adjourn the matter until Thursday while preparing a possible bail application.

Police also charged Manly with failing to comply with a digital evidence access order, possessing a Dedicated Encrypted Criminal Communication Device (DECCD) for serious criminal activity and participating in a criminal group.

During court proceedings, prosecutors alleged Manly participated in an encrypted Threema group chat. His lawyer disputed the strength of the prosecution case.

The court later granted Manly bail after his twin brother provided a $50,000 surety. Manly must now comply with strict conditions similar to house arrest until his next court appearance on January 18.

Police do not allege that Manly participated in the Greenacre shooting. Instead, investigators claim he has longstanding links to the Haouchar organised crime network.

As officers escorted Saric and Manly from their townhouses, both men appeared shirtless, revealing matching “Enemy of the State” tattoos across their stomachs. Saric also displayed a large chest tattoo of his surname, a Sydney skyline featuring the Opera House and Centrepoint Tower, and a Last Supper tattoo across his back.

While officers arrested Saric and Manly, other police searched the nearby home of Omar Haouchar, Bilal Haouchar’s younger brother.

Police did not arrest or charge Omar Haouchar. Investigators also confirmed they do not allege he played any role in either the Greenacre shooting or the alleged organised crime network.

At the same time, officers executed search warrants at homes in Wattle Grove, Miller, Homebush West, Moorebank and Gorokan.

Strike Force Alpina detectives also charged Ammar Chahal, Seru Mar-Tavuonono and Charlton Schaafhausen over their alleged involvement in the investigation.

Police charged Chahal and Mar-Tavuonono with murder, while Schaafhausen faces a charge of accessory before the fact to murder.

Investigators do not allege that any of those three men fired the shots.