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I will definitely be using your company in the future if needed. Lisa kept me at ease also there were no grey areas with great advice. Helana is a great front of house.

- Client

My legal matter concerning an application for a Domestic Violence Order was managed by Mr Thomas Allen. I am grateful for the outcome he obtained. Without Mr Allen and his ongoing support, I would be certain of a different result. It has been an extremely stressful period. Mr Allen’s astute ability to liaise on my behalf and his expertise was invaluable and for which I am grateful as I am now able to move forward. Thanking you

- Client

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...

Going to Court in NSW

This is a brief guide for those who are appearing before the criminal courts in New South Wales for the first time. It is important to remember that there can be very real and serious consequences if you fail to act appropriately in court.

Understand the charge/s and know the maximum penalties

It is important to be clear about what offences you have been charged with and what the maximum penalty is for each of them. The penalty that the court ultimately decides to impose will often be much less than the maximum penalty. However, it has the power to impose any sentence up to the maximum under the legislation. The maximum penalty may be a fine or a period of imprisonment.

Know how to plead

In a criminal matter, you can either plead guilty and proceed to be sentenced or plead not guilty and proceed to a contested hearing. At the first mention, you will generally be asked by the Magistrate how you intend to plead. You may or may not enter your pleas at the first mention.

Pleading not guilty

If you did not commit the offence or have a legal defence (such as self-defence) or a factual defence (such as an alibi) you should enter a plea of not guilty. This means that your matter will not be finalised at the first mention. Your matter will be listed for a hearing date where you will be required to give evidence and call witnesses in your defence. Depending on how busy the court is and how complicated your matter, this may be several months away.

Pleading guilty

If you committed the offence and do not have a legal or factual defence, you should generally plead guilty. If you are pleading guilty, your matter may be finalised on the first mention, or it may be adjourned to another date for finalisation. If there is supporting material such as character references or medical reports to gather, you should adjourn your matter long enough to allow you to do this.

When your matter is finalised, you or your lawyer will be given an opportunity by the Magistrate to provide an explanation for your offending and to make submissions in your defence.

Be Prepared when going to court

Make sure you are well prepared when attending court. If the court is to take into account your circumstances, it will require documentation and evidence. If you have material to tender, such as character references, letters of apology or certificates of completion of programmes, make sure you bring three copies of these to court so that the court, the prosecution and the defence can all retain a copy.

General Etiquette when going to court

It is important to conduct yourself appropriately when inside a courtroom. Failure to do so can result in being ejected from the court, or being charged with the offence of contempt of court.

Some helpful tips on etiquette include:

Treat the Magistrate/ or Judge with respect;
Be punctual. Matters are usually all listed to begin at either 9:00 am or 9:30 am depending on the court location and hours of operation.
Be patient. Your matter will not necessarily mean be called on at the time it is listed to begin. You should go to court prepared to be there all day.
Dress appropriately. Smart casual or business attire is best.
Do not use profanities (unless asked by the court to repeat exactly what was said).
Be aware of personal hygiene.
Turn off your mobile phone and remove hats and sunglasses before going into the courtroom.
Take a pen and paper in case you need to write down an adjournment date or other information.
Do not take food or drink into the court room.

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

Sydney Office

Level 35
201 Elizabeth Street
Sydney NSW 2000

Melbourne Office

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575 Bourke Street
Melbourne VIC 3000

Brisbane Office

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91 North Quay
Brisbane QLD 4000

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Nishi, 2 Phillip Law Street
Canberra ACT 2601

Perth Office

Suite 207
22 St Georges Terrace Perth