Telecommunications Offences

With technology ever-changing and the increasing use of the internet and mobile devices, legislation surrounding telecommunications offences is constantly evolving. Many new offences have been introduced in the last few years to address the misuse of the internet. These include child pornography offences, revenge porn and online stalking and trolling.

If you’ve been charged with a telecommunications offence under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cwth), you could be facing a fine or a prison sentence. You could also be facing the possibility of a criminal record for serious offences, which may affect your future in numerous ways.

If you’ve been summoned to come to court, arrested and bailed or remanded in custody on telecommunications offences, it’s in your best interests to contact Armstrong Legal as soon as possible. We have a team of expert criminal lawyers who can help you understand the allegations against you and analyse the strength of the prosecution case.

Our lawyers pride themselves on their tenacity and communication skills. They’ll go above and beyond with their research and preparation; answer all your questions and ensure you understand the principles and procedures governing the conduct of your matter. Our experienced team will ensure you maximise your chances of receiving a favourable outcome.

Using A Carriage Service to Harass

Under federal legislation, it is an offence to use a carriage service to menace, harass or offend. This offence covers activities such as the distribution of X-rated videos and/or images without the consent of the person/s in them (also known as revenge porn). This is a serious offence that can attract a penalty of imprisonment.

Our criminal lawyers deal with a wide range of criminal offences including telecommunications offences on a regular basis and will work diligently on your case to ensure the court is made aware of every factor in your favour.

Your lawyer will keep you informed and communicate with you in a timely manner, being sure to answer any questions you have throughout the process.

For a confidential discussion with one of our lawyers, call 1300 038 223.

Online Stalking Or Trolling

Due to the rise in social media use, many people are subjected to intimidation, harassment and/or stalking, commonly referred to in the media as trolling. Trolling is a slang term for seeking to offend and upset someone on the internet.

In recent years, there have been some high-profile cases of trolling. Since these events, telecommunications offences such as cyberbullying has been in the spotlight, with the Commonwealth government legislating against the use of the internet or other technology (such as mobile phones) to post offensive comments on social media, send unwanted text messages or make phone calls to harass or menace an individual.

If a person engages in such activities they may be subject to a sentence of imprisonment. If you’re being investigated under allegations that you have harassed an individual and would like legal advice, give our Canberra lawyers a call on 1300 038 223.

Child Pornography

Child pornography refers to pornography involving a minor and the penalties for such offences are severe. It is an offence to produce, distribute or possess child pornography. The penalties depend on the seriousness of the offence – for example if the material shows a child posing sexually or a violent act involving a child this is more serious than an image that shows only a naked child.

Although some adult pornography is legal, someone seeking legal pornography on the internet could accidentally stumble across content that is illegal and if these images are not immediately deleted, could subsequently be charged with an offence.

If convicted of a child pornography offence, in addition to receiving a penalty of a fine of up to 1,200 penalty units and/or 12 years imprisonment, the offender will also go on the Sexual Offender Register. The Sexual Offender Register is a database containing the details of anyone convicted of certain types of sex offences. Being placed on the register means that the person will be subject to conditions on the types of employment they can undertake, where they can live, and in some cases they’ll be required to wear an electronic monitoring device.

Being charged with any criminal offence is stressful and intimidating and how you deal with it can have wide-ranging implications for your future.

If you have been charged with any of these offences and would like some legal advice, give our criminal lawyers a call on 1300 038 223.