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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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"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...
Serious Animal Cruelty
In New South Wales, the offence of intentionally causing serious animal cruelty carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment. A charge under this section can be brought by the Police, or privately prosecuted by bodies such as the RSPCA or Animal Welfare League (AWL).
The Offence of Serious Animal Cruelty
The offence of intentionally causing serious animal cruelty is set out in section 530 of the Crimes Act 1900, which states: “a person who, with the intention of inflicting severe pain: (a) tortures, beats or commits any other serious act of cruelty on an animal, and (b) kills or seriously injures or causes prolonged suffering to the animal, is guilty of an offence.”
What is an animal?
For the purposes of this offence, an animal includes a mammal, other than a human, birds and reptiles.
What is serious cruelty?
Serious harm must be done to an animal for an offence to arise out of this section. Examples of successful prosecutions include:
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- Slicing the throat of a dog with a fishing knife before repeatedly beating it on the head with an axe.
- A kangaroo ‘hunt’ that involved ramming into animals with motor vehicles before shooting them. For some kangaroos, the injury was so severe that bones were protruding from their bodies before they were shot.
- Attacking animals with various implements, such as knives or hammers resulting in the animal’s death, or injuries so serious that the animal had to be put down.
What the Prosecution Must Prove
To convict a person of inflicting serious animal cruelty, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that they:
- With the intention of inflicting severe pain on an animal;
- Tortured, beat or committed a serious act of cruelty on that animal; and
- That act or an omission to act caused to that animal:
- Death;
- Serious injury; or
- Prolonged suffering.
Possible Defences for Serious Animal Cruelty
It is a statutory defence under this section if:
- The action was taken was done so with an authority under the Animal Research Act 1985 or any other Act or law; or
- The action occurred in the course of, for the purposes of routine agricultural or animal husbandry activities, recognised religious practices, the extermination of pests or veterinary practice.
Which Court Will Hear Your Matter?
This offence is a Table 2 offence. This means that the matter will likely be dealt with in the Local Court, however, the Prosecutor can elect to have the matter dealt with in the District Court.
If you require legal advice or representation in any legal matter, please contact Armstrong Legal.
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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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