-
ACT Articles
-
National Articles
-
NSW Articles
-
QLD Articles
-
VIC Articles
-
WA Articles
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 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.
Forensic Procedures (NSW)
The Crimes (Forensic Procedures) Act 2000 establishes the legislative framework for the taking, testing, destruction and storage of forensic samples in New South Wales. Some of the most reliable evidence in criminal matters is forensic evidence and this must be obtained in a lawful manner to ensure it will be admissible as evidence should the matter proceed to a contested hearing in the Local Court or a criminal trial in the District Court or Supreme Court
There are two types of procedures used to obtain forensic evidence:
- An intimate forensic procedure; and
- A non-intimate forensic procedure.
Intimate forensic procedure
Section 3 of the Act, outlines that intimate forensic procedures include samples of blood, pubic hair, a swab from a person’s private parts, dental impressions, photographs of a person’s private parts, and impressions or casts of a wound from the person’s private parts.
Non-intimate forensic procedure
Section 3 of the Act, outlines that non-intimate forensic procedures include external examinations of a part of a person’s body, other than the person’s private parts, that requires touching of the body or removal of clothing, a self-administered buccul swab, a sample of hair or nail clippings, a sample from part of a person’s body taken by vacuum suction, scraping or lifting by tape, a person’s handprint, fingerprint, footprint or toeprint, photographs of parts of a person’s body (other than private parts) or a person’s physical measurements.
Do the police need a court order?
Section 5 of the Act 2000 sets out what form of authorisation the New South Wales police require to carry out different types of forensic procedures under different circumstances.
Adult not under arrest
Non-intimate forensic procedures can be carried out on an adult who is not under arrest either with the person’s informed consent or with an order from a magistrate or registrar.
Intimate forensic procedures can be carried out on an adult who is not under arrest with the person’s informed consent or with an order from a magistrate or registrar.
Adult under arrest
Non-intimate forensic procedures can be carried out on an adult who is under arrest either with the person’s informed consent or with an order from a senior police officer.
Intimate forensic procedures can be carried out on an adult who is under arrest with the person’s informed consent or with an order from a magistrate or registrar.
Child between 10 and 18 or incapable person
Intimate or non-intimate forensic procedures can be carried out on a child or on an incapable person only with an order from a magistrate or an authorised officer.
The most common types of forensic evidence that are used are fingerprints and DNA evidence.
Fingerprints
Police can ask for a person’s fingerprints to be taken if they believe the person has committed an offence. If the person refuses, they may obtain an order to take the fingerprints without the person’s consent. They are allowed to use reasonable force to do so.
If a person’s fingerprints were taken when they were arrested and they are found not guilty or are not charged with an offence, the police must destroy the fingerprints after 6 months.
DNA
Police can ask a person to let them take a sample of the person’s DNA if they believe the person has committed an offence. If the person refuses, they may obtain an order to take a DNA sample without the person’s consent. They are allowed to use reasonable force to do this.
If the person is found not guilty or is not charged with an offence, the police must destroy the DNA evidence after 12 months.
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.
WHY CHOOSE ARMSTRONG LEGAL?
Sydney Office
Level 35
201 Elizabeth Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Melbourne Office
Level 13
575 Bourke Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Brisbane Office
Level 5
91 North Quay
Brisbane QLD 4000
Canberra Office
Level 9
Nishi, 2 Phillip Law Street
Canberra ACT 2601
Perth Office
Suite 207
22 St Georges Terrace Perth