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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.
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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
- Client
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.
- Client
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.
- Client
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!!!
- 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."
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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...
Suspended Sentences
A suspended sentence is a sentence of imprisonment which does not require the offender to actually serve time in a prison, but instead to be placed on a Good Behaviour Order. A breach of that Good Behaviour Order can, however, lead to the imposition of prison time, with the sentence no longer being suspended.
Definition
Section 12 of the Crimes (Sentencing) Act 2005 applies to offenders who are sentenced to imprisonment.
It provides that the court may make an order (a suspended sentence order) suspending all or part of the sentence of imprisonment.
If the court makes a suspended sentence order, the court must also make a good behaviour order for the period during which the sentence is suspended or for any longer period that the court considers appropriate.
A suspended sentence order may be part of a combination sentence (see separate pages) together with other sentencing options.
If the court makes a suspended sentence order fully suspending the sentence of imprisonment, the court must, as soon as practicable after the order is made, ensure that written notice of the order, together with a copy of the order, is given to the offender.
For an offender who is under 18 years old, the notice and order must also be given to a parent or person with parental responsibility, but a failure to do so does not invalidate the suspended sentence order.
Is A Suspended Sentence A Conviction and Will I Have A Criminal Record?
Yes – to be placed on suspended sentence, you first have to be sentenced to period of imprisonment. This means that you have been convicted of the offence, and it will appear on your criminal record.
Interaction with Intensive Correction Orders
Section 80 of the Crimes (Sentencing) Act 2005 provides that a court must not make an Intensive Correction Order with intensive correction to be served concurrently or consecutively with a suspended sentence of imprisonment.
However, a court may make an Intensive Correction Order if an offender is under a suspended sentence order but not in full-time detention and the offender is convicted of an offence that was committed before the offence to which the order relates. If the court makes such an ICO, it must cancel the offender’s suspended sentence order and re-sentence the offender to serve a term of imprisonment by intensive correction.
If you require legal 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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