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 Interview Rights in NSW: What You Need to Know

What Are Your Rights During a Police Interview in NSW?

If police suspect you have committed an offence, they may ask you to answer questions or participate in a formal recorded interview.

A police interview can become an important part of the evidence in a criminal case. For this reason, understanding your rights before answering questions is essential.

Do You Have to Answer Police Questions?

In many circumstances, a person suspected of an offence has a right to silence. However, there are exceptions where legislation may require certain information to be provided.

For example, police may have powers to require particular identifying or other information in specified circumstances.

Because the rules depend on the situation, you should obtain legal advice rather than assuming you must either answer every question or refuse to answer everything.

Should You Participate in a Police Interview?

There is no single answer that applies to every case.

What may be appropriate depends on factors including:

the allegations being investigated;
the evidence police already have;
whether you have been arrested;
the questions police intend to ask; and
whether anything you say could later be used as evidence.

Speaking to a criminal lawyer before participating in an interview can help you understand the potential consequences.

Can What You Say Be Used Against You?

Statements made during a police interview may potentially form part of the evidence relied upon in criminal proceedings.

Even comments that seem harmless at the time can become important when considered alongside other evidence.

This is one reason you should carefully consider obtaining legal advice before discussing the allegations in detail.

Can You Speak to a Lawyer?

If you have been arrested or are being questioned about an alleged criminal offence, you should ask about your ability to obtain legal advice before participating in an interview.

A lawyer can explain your rights, assess the circumstances and advise you on how to approach the police request.

What If Police Ask You to Attend an Interview Voluntarily?

Being invited to a police station does not necessarily mean that you have been charged or arrested.

However, you should still take the request seriously. Before attending, consider contacting a criminal lawyer and obtaining advice about why police want to speak with you and how you should respond.

Get Advice Before a Police Interview

Decisions made before or during a police interview can affect the course of a criminal investigation.

If NSW Police have contacted you about an interview, arrest or criminal allegation, contact KRayem & Co Lawyers for advice before answering questions about the alleged offence.