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I would like to take this opportunity to thank Armstrong Legal and specifically Mr Thomas Allen for representing me in my recent case. At the outset, I would like to thank Mr Allen for the very professional delivery of his legal service. From the first time that I met Mr Allen, I was very impressed with his demeanour and delivery as he made me feel at ease knowing the severity of my case. Mr Allen not only gave me the possible positive outcomes of the case but also the realisation of the worst-case scenario as far as sentencing goes. … I will certainly be recommending Armstrong Legal to any of my friends or family needing representation in criminal matters. Thank you so very much.

- Client

Thank you for your representation and help. Fingers crossed for the next step and parole. I just want to say that from the first phone call to your office, your service has been outstanding and have put my mind at ease. I am glad I picked your number to ring.

- Client

Thank you Armstrong Legal, the lawyers that have helped over the past 3 years but more importantly, thank you to Thomas Allen for the major part you and Mr Buckland played. Cannot thank you enough. Cheers.

- Client

Hi all. I would like to thank Ms Lisa Riley for all her help with my legal issues this past month. It was the most harrowing experience of my life and thanks to her expertise, professionalism and knowledge of the law, I came out almost unscathed. I have no hesitation in recommending Lisa Riley and Armstrong Legal if you need help. The service is amazing and the cost was very minimal for the great outcome. Thank you Lisa for helping me in the most difficult time.

- Client

I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. My whole life I was thrown away, you made me feel like I did mean something. I could not have asked for a better lawyer. Your compassion and love for your job is inspiring. Your upfront and honesty were muchly appreciated, you are a beautiful person. Thank you for not giving up on me and thank you for all the work you put in. I wish you all the best for the future and I will be recommending you to everyone I know. You're amazing!!!!

- Client

I just wanted to thank you for representing me on Monday, I was overjoyed & relieved with the outcome. I don’t think it could have gone any better. All the best, I hope you got to celebrate this one instead after work, you forever made a difference in my life.

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

- Client

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.

- Client

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.

- Client

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.

- Client

"Andrew Tiedt was very professional and considerate to personal circumstances and gave sound advice that resulted in the best outcome possible. Highly recommended."

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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