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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...
Community Service Order (CSO)
A Community Service Order (CSO) involves either unpaid work in the community at a place specified by Community Corrections or attendance at a centre to undertake a course, such as anger management. In order to be eligible for a CSO you have to be assessed by an officer of the Community Correction Service as suitable to be placed on the order.
The maximum number of hours of community service that a court can impose is:
- 100 hours: where the maximum term of imprisonment that can be set by the court does not exceed six months.
- 200 hours: where the maximum term of imprisonment that can be set by the court does not exceed 1 year.
- 500 hours: where the maximum term of imprisonment that can be set by the court exceeds 1 year.
Definition of Community Service Order
Section 8 of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 is where this type of penalty is found. Section 8 states:
- instead of imposing a sentence of imprisonment on an offender, a court may make a community service order directing the offender to perform community service work for a specified number of hours.
- the number of hours specified in a community service order in relation to an offence must not exceed 500, or the number of hours prescribed by the regulations in respect of the class of offences to which the offence belongs, whichever is the lesser.
- this section does not apply to an offender to whom the Children (Community Service Orders) Act 1987 (NSW) applies.
- this section is subject to the provisions of Part 7.
Is a Community Service Order a Conviction and Will I Have a Criminal Record?
If you are sentenced to Community Service, then you will be convicted of an offence, and it will appear on your criminal record.
Can You Travel Overseas While on a Community Service Order?
Being able to travel overseas whilst on a Community Service Order depends on:
- any scheduled work or programs that you are supposed to be doing whilst you intend to travel; and
- the visa requirements of the particular country you intend to enter.
You should speak to your Community Services Officer before making any plans, and get some specific legal advice about your personal situation if you are unsure.
Suitability for a Community Service Order
Before a CSO can be imposed, the court must be satisfied that:
- you are suitable person for community service work;
- it is appropriate in all of the circumstances that you be required to perform community service work;
- the arrangements exist in the area in which you live or intend to live for you to perform community service work; and
- the community service work can be provided in accordance with those arrangements
People commonly encounter problems with being assessed as suitable due to:
- unresolved mental health issues;
- drug/alcohol issues;
- physical disabilities or injuries (that might mean you can’t perform certain types of work);
- work commitments that mean that you could not perform Community Service in the programs that are available.
Breaches of Community Service Orders
If you do not complete the community service hours set by the court within the given time, fail to turn up for your work, or don’t attend appointments set by community corrections, corrections may advise the court and a summons be issued for you to attend court to answer the allegation of you breaching the CSO. If you admit breaching the CSO the court can revoke the order and impose a more severe penalty which can include full-time jail. Breaches of CSO are regarded seriously by the courts as a CSO is an alternative to full-time jail.
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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