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

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."

This article was written by Fernanda Dahlstrom - Content Editor - Brisbane

Fernanda Dahlstrom has a Bachelor of Laws, a Bachelor of Arts and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. She has also completed a Master’s in Writing and Literature. Fernanda practised law for eight years, working in criminal defence, child protection and domestic violence law in the Northern Territory and in family law in Queensland.

Bail After a Finding of Guilt

Bail can be granted at any stage in a New South Wales criminal proceeding prior to sentencing. It is often granted when a person is first charged with an offence, or when the matter is listed for a contested hearing. However, it is also possible for a court to grant a defendant bail after a finding of guilt has been recorded against them but before they have been sentenced. This article deals with the grant of bail after a finding of guilt but prior to sentencing

Section 11 applications

Section 11 of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act empowers courts to adjourn a matter for certain purposes after a defendant has been found guilty. This may be done for any of the following purposes:

to assess the defendant’s capacity and prospects of rehabilitation;
to allow the defendant to demonstrate that rehabilitation has occurred;
to assess the defendant’s suitability to take part in an intervention program or to allow them to participate in an intervention program;
for any other purpose that the court considers appropriate.

Bail conditions after a finding of guilt

If a person has been found guilty of criminal offences but not yet sentenced, the court may grant them bail if the circumstances mean that this is appropriate. In this situation, bail conditions may be imposed including that:

The person be assessed for participation in an intervention, treatment or rehabilitation program
The person must participate in an intervention or treatment program and comply with any plan arising out of the program

What are the benefits of getting bail after a finding of guilt?

The purpose of section 11 of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act is to allow defendants to pursue rehabilitative options that may place the court in a position to deal with them more leniently than it would be able to do otherwise. The successful completion of a rehabilitation program that addresses issues that were a significant contributor to the offending may allow the court to sentence the defendant in a way that takes into account the actions they have taken towards addressing risk factors in their life.

The fact that a defendant has taken positive steps towards their rehabilitation may also cause the court to view the defendant as a person with good prospects of rehabilitation and therefore impose a sentence where the sentencing principle of rehabilitation is given more importance than other sentencing purposes, such as deterrence. The result may be a sentence that is less punitive in nature.

Should I apply for bail after a finding of guilt?

If you are expecting to be found guilty of criminal offences, it may be in your interests to apply for bail so that you can pursue rehabilitative options. However, depending on your circumstances and the circumstances of the offences, this may not be appropriate or relevant. It is important to talk to a lawyer about your situation so that they can advise you on all the steps you can take to ensure you receive a fair sentence that takes into account your circumstances.

If you require legal advice or representation in any legal matter, please contact Armstrong Legal.

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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