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 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...

Assaulting a Police Officer

In New South Wales, assaults against police officers are taken very seriously. A charge of assaulting a police officer in their execution of duty carries a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment.This article outlines what the different offences committed against police officers involved, the penalties that apply and which court will finalsie the matter.

Legislation

Section 60 of the Crimes Act 1900 provides for a number of offences committed against police officers in the execution of their duty. Offences that can be committed under that provision are:

Assaulting a police officer where no actual bodily harm is caused (maximum penalty five years imprisonment);
Assaulting a police officer during a public disorder where no actual bodily harm is caused (maximum penalty seven years imprisonment);
Assaulting a police officer where the officer sustains actual bodily harm (maximum penalty seven years imprisonment);
Assaulting a police officer during a public disorder where the officer sustains actual bodily harm (maximum penalty nine years imprisonment);
Assaulting a police officer who sustains a wound or injury amounting to grievous bodily harm (maximum penalty 12 years imprisonment);
Assaulting a police officer during a public disorder where the officer sustains a wound or injury amounting to grievous bodily harm (maximum penalty 14 years imprisonment);

What Actions Might Constitute Assaulting A Police Officer?

Whilst the slightest touch may technically be an ‘assault’, the police will generally not charge a person unless there is a significant degree of force applied. For example, punching, kicking, pushing or spitting on a police officer would constitute an assault.

There are circumstances in which an offence under this section can be made out even if the officer was not on duty at the time. These are:

If the assault occurred as a consequence of or in retaliation for actions taken whilst the officer was in execution of their duty;
If the assault occurred because that person is a police officer.

Examples of offences under this section, include:

Kicking, punching or pushing a police officer to stop them arresting you or someone you know;
Threatening a police officer who is arresting you or interviewing you as part of an investigation; and
Seeking out, and threatening or assaulting, a police officer when they are off duty.

Defences To Assaulting a police Officer

A person charged with this offence could validly argue in their defence that:

The officer was not acting in their lawful duties. This may be because the police officer was off duty or because they were exceeding their powers and acting unlawfully.
The actions charged do not amount to an assault. This may because physical contact occurred unintentionally.

Jurisdiction

An offence where the officer does not sustain bodily harm or where the officer sustains bodily harm is an indictable offence that can be heard summarily with the consent of the parties. If the matter is heard summarily, the maximum penalty that can be imposed is imprisonmnet for two years.

An offence where the officer sustains grievous bodily harm is a strictly indictable offence and must be heard in the District Court or Supreme Court on indictment.

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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