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My legal matter concerning an application for a Domestic Violence Order was managed by Mr Thomas Allen. I am grateful for the outcome he obtained. Without Mr Allen and his ongoing support, I would be certain of a different result. It has been an extremely stressful period. Mr Allen’s astute ability to liaise on my behalf and his expertise was invaluable and for which I am grateful as I am now able to move forward. Thanking you

- Client

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Armstrong Legal and specifically Mr Thomas Allen for representing me in my recent case. At the outset, I would like to thank Mr Allen for the very professional delivery of his legal service. From the first time that I met Mr Allen, I was very impressed with his demeanour and delivery as he made me feel at ease knowing the severity of my case. Mr Allen not only gave me the possible positive outcomes of the case but also the realisation of the worst-case scenario as far as sentencing goes. … I will certainly be recommending Armstrong Legal to any of my friends or family needing representation in criminal matters. Thank you so very much.

- Client

Thank you for your representation and help. Fingers crossed for the next step and parole. I just want to say that from the first phone call to your office, your service has been outstanding and have put my mind at ease. I am glad I picked your number to ring.

- Client

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 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...

Forum Sentencing (NSW)

Forum sentencing is a sentencing option that is available in New South Wales Local Courts. It brings together the offender, victims, and any other person affected by a crime. Its purpose is to find creative solutions to repair the harm done to the victim and the community and reduce the offender’s likelihood of re-offending.

Forum sentencing consists of a meeting where parties discuss what happened and how people were affected by the crime. They then prepare an ‘intervention plan’ for the offender. This intervention plan is then to be completed as part of the offender’s sentence. Outcomes of the plan may include a verbal or written apology, voluntary work, compensation, counselling, driver education and anything else the group feels is appropriate.

Why apply for Forum Sentencing?

Being part of the Forum Sentencing scheme presents significant benefits including:

Potentially leading to a better outcome than the mainstream court process because the successful completion of the forum sentencing program reflects favourably on a person, which may mean lighter a sentence
Enabling a person to improve their long-term quality of life
Helping a person break the cycle of crime which reduces their chances of reoffending.

You must be aware that Forum Sentencing imposes onerous requirements. If you do not complete the intervention plan the court may issue a warrant for your arrest and you may be required to reappear in court.

Am I eligible for Forum Sentencing?

You must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the scheme:

Be referred by the court or successfully apply to be referred
Be over the age of 18
Be appearing before one of the following Local Courts: Ballina, Balmain, Bankstown, Bellingen, Belmont, Burwood, Byron Bay, Camden Campbelltown, Casino, Central, Coffs Harbour, Downing Centre, Fairfield, Gosford, Grafton, Kogarah, Kyogle, Lismore, Liverpool, Macksville, Maclean, Moss Vale, Mullumbimby, Murwillumbah, Newcastle, Newtown, Parramatta, Picton, Raymond Terrace, Ryde, Sutherland, Toronto, Tweed Heads, Waverley, Woy Woy or Wyong
Plead or be found guilty
Be facing the likelihood of a prison sentence
Be willing to participate
Pass the suitability test by the Program Administrator.

Disqualification from the program may occur if you:

Are charged with an indictable offence
Have been charged with certain other serious offences.

What is involved?

There are 7 steps you will go through if you become part of the Forum Sentencing Program:

1) Court identifies potential participants – after you plead or are found guilty the court considers your eligibility to participate in a forum. If the Magistrate and you agree to be part of the program you will meet with a Forum Sentencing Program Administrator for assessment.

2) Program Administrator confirms whether the offender is suitable – after the Program Administrator assesses you they send their recommendations to the court to be processed.

3) Court confirmation of eligibility – the court will confirm whether you are eligible based on the finding of the Program Administrator and may then arrange for a facilitator for a forum to take place.

4) Preparing for forum – the facilitator will then meet with the victim, yourself, police officer in charge of the case, and other relevant people to explain how forum sentencing operates and how they can participate.

5) Forum is held and setting a plan – Participants meet at the forum to discuss what happened, how it affected the victim, and how things can be made better. Participants develop a plan with the intention of repairing harm to the victim and the community and reducing the offender’s likelihood of reoffending. You will be given a list of specific actions you must agree to undertake.

6) Back to court – The plan is sent back to court to be considered. If the Magistrate approves then you are to undertake the list of actions prior to or as part of the sentence.

7) Carrying out the plan – once you complete the plan the Program Administrator will notify the court. If the plan was part of a sentence and all other parts of the sentence have been completed the matter is finalised. If the case was adjourned to allow the actions detailed in the plan to be undertaken the court considers the offender’s completion of those actions during sentencing.

If you or any other relative are eligible for the Forum Sentencing please call us for further assistance and representation.

If you require legal advice or representation in any legal matter, please contact 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