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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.
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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
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...
Guide for Families of Prison Inmates
When a friend or family member goes to prison, it can be very difficult to contact them and stay in touch with them. This article provides some information for the families of those who have been sent to jail.
Locating a prisoner
In order to establish which prison a person is being held in, you need to know the MIN and/or date of birth of the person you are trying to locate. If you don’t know their MIN you need their full name. It also helps if you are a member of their immediate family
If you have any questions about a transfer, ring the Inmate Placement Office on PH (02) 8346 1000 – After hours (7 days to 10pm) PH (02) 9289 5258.
If you need help with these phone calls, ring the Community Restorative Centre: (02) 9288 8700.
Arrange to visit them
When you’re visiting someone in jail, it is a good idea to check that they are still in jail before you visit. To check, ring the jail directly.
By phoning first, you can also check what things you are allowed to take with you, or if you need to book the visit.
Application for Travel and Accommodation Assistance
The Community Restorative Centre (CRC) may be able to provide some assistance to you if you are travelling to visit a family member in prison.. You may be eligible for reimbursement of some of the travel and accommodation costs related to the visit if:
- You have a close family member or close kinship relative in custody in a NSW Correctional Centre;
- You have to travel at least 100 kms to visit them;
- You experience financial hardship which may restrict you from visiting your loved one;
Please download the PDF Application below to assess whether you are eligible for travel and accommodation assistance: Travel and Accomodation Assistance Information and Form PDF
Sending money
Prisoners need money to pay for phone calls or order items such as toiletries, additional food, clothing, tobacco, papers and personal items. Prisoners are not allowed to have money or other items, such as stamps, on them. All purchases are deducted directly from their prison account.
When you visit a prisoner, you can deposit money in person at the jailor at the Prisoner’s Account Department. Ask at the visitor’s area about the right place to do this. You can deposit cash or a money order.
It is a good idea to ring and check that you can deposit money on the day you visit, as this department is not open every day. To deposit money, you need to know the prisoner’s full name, their MIN or date of birth. You will also need your own ID with your address on it and your visitor information number. Don’t forget to ask for a receipt.
You can also send a money order through the mail to the jail the prisoner is in. Do not send cash or cheques. You need to enclose a letter stating the prisoner’s full name and MIN or date of birth.
Remember to write your name and address and ask for a receipt. They will send one out to you. If you don’t give the jail enough details, they can withhold the money until the prisoner is discharged.
Prisoners can only receive up to $100 a week in total for their personal use and only have a maximum of $100 in their account. If you send any more, it will be put into another account and they won’t be able to use it until they are released from prison.
When a prisoner is transferred
Finding out that your friend or family member is being transferred to another jail can be distressing, especially if that makes it harder to visit, or makes them feel unsafe. Trying to get a prisoner transferred to be nearer family and friends can also be stressful.
To request or object to a transfer, a prisoner needs to go to a wing officer, welfare or services and programs officer and get an application form (bluey). They need to write why they do or don’t want to be transferred. This form is then given to the classifications officer for consideration.
Reasons for requesting or opposing a transfer might be:
- The prison is too far for family and friends to visit, or there is no public transport
- Family or friends can’t get to prison because of disability]
- The prisoner is afraid for their safety because of other prisoners.
Bear in mind that most prisons are in rural and regional areas. Transfers can be hard to get and the process can take several months. Corrective Services also has a duty to keep prisoners safe and this can take several months.
Interstate transfers
There is a process for transferring from one state to another but it is long and complicated.
How the Community Restorative Centre can help
The Community Restorative Centre (CRC) is a New Sout Wales community organisation dedicated to supporting people affected by the criminal justice system, particularly prisoners, ex-prisoners, and their families and friends. Their staff offer personal and practical assistance such as counselling, accommodation, a subsidised transport service, a court support service, outreach to prisons, and information, advice and referrals.
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.
WHY CHOOSE ARMSTRONG LEGAL?
Sydney Office
Level 35
201 Elizabeth Street
Sydney NSW 2000
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Melbourne VIC 3000
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91 North Quay
Brisbane QLD 4000
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Nishi, 2 Phillip Law Street
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