-
ACT Articles
-
National Articles
-
NSW Articles
-
QLD Articles
-
VIC Articles
-
WA Articles
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...
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.
Probation is a sentencing option commonly used by courts in NSW for both adult and child offenders. Probation involves supervision…
In New South Wales youth detention centres are known as youth justice centres. There are six of these centres in…
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
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