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.

What Happens After You’re Arrested in NSW?

Being arrested can be stressful and confusing, particularly if you have never dealt with police or the criminal justice system before. Understanding what may happen next can help you make informed decisions and avoid doing something that could negatively affect your case.

The exact process will depend on the circumstances and allegations, but an arrest in NSW will generally involve several stages.

1. Police May Take You Into Custody

After an arrest, police may take you to a police station or another authorised place of detention. You may be held while police conduct investigations, confirm your identity, gather information and determine whether charges will be laid.

Police powers are subject to legal limits, and the circumstances surrounding an arrest and detention can become important if the matter later proceeds to court.

2. Police May Ask to Interview You

Police may ask you questions about the alleged offence or invite you to participate in a recorded interview.

What you say to police can have significant consequences. Before answering questions about an allegation, it is generally important to understand your rights and obtain legal advice specific to your circumstances.

A criminal lawyer can explain whether you are required to answer particular questions and what risks may arise from participating in an interview.

3. Police Decide Whether to Charge You

After investigating the allegations, police may decide to charge you with one or more offences.

The charges will determine how the matter proceeds and what penalties may potentially apply if you are convicted. Being charged does not mean that you have been found guilty.

4. Bail May Be Considered

Depending on the alleged offence and your circumstances, police may release you on bail, release you without bail, or refuse bail.

If police refuse bail, you may be brought before a court where an application for bail can be made.

Bail conditions can restrict where you live, who you contact, where you travel or require you to report to police. It is important to understand and comply with any conditions imposed.

5. Your Matter May Go to Court

If you have been charged, you will generally receive information telling you when and where you are required to attend court.

What happens at court depends on the charges, your plea and the circumstances of the case. Your lawyer can review the police evidence, advise you about your options and represent you throughout the proceedings.

Speak to a Criminal Lawyer After an Arrest

The period immediately following an arrest can have a significant impact on how a criminal matter develops.

If you or someone you know has been arrested or charged in NSW, getting legal advice as early as possible can help you understand your rights, your options and what to expect next.

Contact KRayem & Co Lawyers to speak with a criminal lawyer about your situation.