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I know I thanked you before we parted company but please allow me to reiterate in writing my sincere deepest thanks for defending me in court today. … Armstrong Legal certainly has a great Lawyer you are a credit to the company and I'm quite sure you will secure a very successful future! … My Kindest Regards and Thanks
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Anastasia Qvist is an outstanding lawyer. My criminal law situation (family violence order) was difficult, complex and Ana's diligence saved me as I was going through the most difficult period of my life. Ana is down to earth, commonsense and she even kept our costs to a minimum. She is a skilled litigator and knows the ins and outs of the ACT Magistrates Court. She dealt skillfully with the DPP and is an excellent negotiator. You will get a fair representation and she genuinely cares about her clients. She has my complete recommendation. The lady goes to bat for her clients.
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I would strongly recommend Anastasia to anyone who is seeking legal representation. As a first-time offender who was charged with a Level 2 Drink Driving offence, she walked me through every step of the matter and was very upfront and clear on all aspects of my case. She was always accessible when I needed advice. Her approach and advice were excellent. Under her representation, I received the best possible outcome and managed to avoid a criminal conviction. She was a pleasure to deal with throughout the whole matter.
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Anastasia Qvist was very professional and helpful in every step of my matter. I got a very good outcome and I can’t thank you enough for your hard work and the Armstrong Legal team in Canberra. I would highly recommend her!!!
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Throughout Angela has been the consummate professional. She maintained a calm, yet strong demeanour remained informative and completely open in her communication and took complete ownership of the situation. We felt confident we finally had an advocate to steer us out of the nightmare we were in, and she did so with great respect and sincerity. I cannot speak more highly of Angela. She has literally rescued our family from what looked very much like a hopeless future.
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Words can’t describe how grateful I am to Trudie Cameron being my solicitor and to Andrew Tiedt presenting my case in the court. They both have been very supportive and amazingly professional and effective. I’ve got an absolutely fantastic outcome I couldn’t even dream about.
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Soon after meeting Andrew I knew he was the solicitor I wanted to handle my matter. He immediately sprang into action which brought me stability and hope during a tumultuous time in my life. Andrew was never afraid to give me straight answers to my tough questions which is a true mark of integrity. He is clearly at ease in the court environment and I believe his calm and measured demeanour went a long way to helping me secure the best result from my day in court. I would certainly recommend you approach Andrew if you need assistance.
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"Andrew Tiedt was very professional and considerate to personal circumstances and gave sound advice that resulted in the best outcome possible. Highly recommended."
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This article was written by Michelle Makela - Legal Practice Director
Michelle has over 15 years experience in the legal industry, working across commercial litigation, criminal law, family law and estate planning. Michelle has been involved in all practice areas of the firm and in her personal practice has had experience in litigation at all levels (state and federal industrial tribunals, the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, the Federal Court, Federal...
Community Service Orders (CSOs)
A Community Service Order involves unpaid work in the community at a place specified by Community Corrections. In order to be eligible for a CSO you have to be assessed by a Community Corrections officer as suitable to undertake the order.
Definition
Section 88 of the Crimes (Sentencing) Act 2005 provides that, before making a Community Service Order, the court must be satisfied that community-service work is suitable for the offender and it is appropriate that the offender be required to perform it.
The court may decline to make a Community Service Order if the offender does not undergo a medical examination by a doctor, if such examination is directed by the court.
Section 89 provides that a Pre-Sentence Report (PSR) must be given to the court about the offender’s suitability to serve a sentence (or a part of a sentence) by performing community service.
The court must consider the PSR and any medical report about the offender given to the court, any evidence given by the person who prepared the PSR and any evidence given by a Corrections officer about the offender.
The court must record reasons for its decision to include, or decline to include, a community service condition in a Good Behaviour Order if that decision is counter to the recommendation of the PSR.
Section 90 lists the matters that might lead an offender to be found unsuitable for community service. They are major problems with alcohol or a controlled drug, major psychiatric or psychological disorders, potential unfitness to perform the actual work, a serious criminal record and potential impracticability of regularly reporting for community service.
How Many Hours Will I Have to Work?
Section 91 of the Crimes (Sentencing) Act 2005 provides that the number of hours of community service work required to be performed for a community service condition in a Good Behaviour Order must be at least 20 hours and not more than 500 hours. For a young offender, the maximum is 200 hours.
If fewer than 250 hours work is required, it must be completed within one year; if 250 or more hours work is required, it must be completed within two years.
The number of hours ordered by the court reflects the seriousness that the Court attached to the offending.
Is A Community Service Order A Conviction and Will I Have A Criminal Record?
Yes. Section 87 of the Crimes (Sentencing) Act 2005 provides that a good behaviour order with a community service condition can only be imposed if the offender has been convicted of the offence.
For advice or representation in any legal matter, please contact Armstrong Legal.
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WHERE TO NEXT?
If you suspect that you may be under investigation, or if you have been charged with an offence, it is vital to get competent legal advice as early as possible. Our lawyers are highly specialised in criminal law and will be able to guide you through the process while dealing with the various authorities related to your matter.
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