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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...
Arraignment
Arraignment is the court event in an indictable criminal matter where the charges are read before a judge and the accused is asked to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty for each charge. Arraignments in New South Wales are governed by the Criminal Procedure Act 1983. This article outlines the law surrounding arraignment in New South Wales.
When does an arraignment take place?
An arraignment occurs after a person has been committed to the District Court or Supreme Court.
The charges may be read by the Judge’s Associate or by the Judge themself. The accused will be asked to enter a plea in relation to each charge.
If the accused enters a plea of guilty to any of the charges at arraignment, then they will be given a sentence hearing date. On that date, the court will decide on the appropriate sentencing order/s in light of the legislative maximum and minimum penalties, the circumstances of the offence and the circumstances of the offender.
If the accused pleads not guilty at arraignment, then a trial date will normally be set. If the accused is legally represented and the prosecution can confirm the date, the trial date will be fixed. Criminal trials are generally heard by a judge and jury in New South Wales; however, trials by judge alone sometimes occur when circumstances mean that this is appropriate.
If the accused does not answer directly to the charges read in court, this amounts to ‘refusal to plead’ under section 155 of the Criminal Procedure Act. In this situation, the court may order a plea of “not guilty” to be entered on their behalf.
Can I represent myself?
A person charged with criminal offences has the right to represent themself.
However, the trial judge has the duty to make sure that the accused is well informed and will be able to exercise their legal rights during the trial. If an accused person is unrepresented at the arraignment, the judge may ask for the matter to be adjourned in order for them to obtain legal advice and representation. This is particularly likely to occur if it appears that the accused is inadequately prepared or if there are complex legal issues involved.
If you require legal advice or representation in any legal matter, please contact Armstrong Legal.
Indictable offences are serious criminal offences that carry significant penalties and are heard in the higher courts. Offences that are…
The New South Wales court system is made up of the Local Court, the District Court, the Supreme Court and…
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.
WHY CHOOSE ARMSTRONG LEGAL?
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