-
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 Fernanda Dahlstrom - Content Editor - Brisbane
Fernanda Dahlstrom has a Bachelor of Laws, a Bachelor of Arts and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. She has also completed a Master’s in Writing and Literature. Fernanda practised law for eight years, working in criminal defence, child protection and domestic violence law in the Northern Territory and in family law in Queensland.
The Children's Court
The Western Australian Children’s Court deals with children between 10 and 18 who have been charged with criminal offences. The Children’s Court also deals with protection and care applications in respect of children and Restraining Order applications that involve children.
When a child attends the Children’s Court for a criminal matter, he or she must attend with a responsible adult, usually a parent. When the Children’s Court deals with criminal matters it follows the same procedures as the Magistrates Court. When a child is sentenced for criminal offences, this is done in a way that is appropriate to the age of the child and for the objective seriousness of the offence.
Criminal matters
The WA Children’s Court deals with young offenders in accordance with the Young Offenders Act 1994. Children under 10 cannot be charged with a criminal offence in any part of Australia. If the young person is charged with criminal offences whilst under the age of 18, but turns 18 before the matter is finalised, they will be dealt with by the Children’s Court as they were a juvenile when the offence allegedly occurred.
The Young Offenders Act provides that the Children’s Court must deal with a young person in a way that:
- Ensures they are treated fairly;
- Protects the community;
- Allows victims to be involved in the process;
- Encourages and supports parents and other responsible adults to fulfil their responsibilities;
- Considers measures other than judicial proceedings;
- Detains the young person only as a last resort;
- Assists the child to develop a sense of responsibility;
- Takes the age, maturity and cultural background of the child into account;
- Strengthens the family group of the child;
- Takes into account the child’s sense of time.
If a young person is found guilty of an offence, the Children’s Court will make appropriate sentencing orders. These may include a good behaviour bond, a fine, community-based order or a custodial sentence.
Care and protection
If the Department of Communities believes that a child is in need of protection, it can make an application for a Protection Order in respect of the young person under the Children and Community Services Act 2004.
A parent of a child who is the subject of a Protection Order application by the Department, or another person with a material interest in the child’s wellbeing, can file a Response to the Department’s Application. This can be prepared by the parent or other person themself or by a lawyer on their behalf.
The Children’s Court will determine whether the child who is the subject of the application is in need of protection. If it considers that a Protection Order needs to be made, it will decide on the period of time for which the order needs to be in force.
Restraining orders
If either the protected person or the respondent in a Restraining Order Application is under 18, the application will be heard in the Children’s Court. If the child is the protected person in a restraining order application, a parent or guardian may lodge the application on the child’s behalf.
Under the Restraining Orders Act 1997, a restraining order cannot be made against a respondent who is younger than 10. A restraining order can be made by the Children’s Court against a child aged between 10 and 18. However it must be for a duration of no longer than six months.
There are three types of restraining orders in Western Australia.
Misconduct Restraining Orders
A Misconduct Restraining Order (MRO) restrains a person from behaving in a manner that is offensive or intimidating towards the protected person, from causing damage to their property or causing a breach of the peace.
Violence Restraining Orders
A Violence Restraining Order (VRO) restrains a person who is likely to commit a violent offence against the Protected Person or to behave in a manner that causes the protected person to fear that they will do so.
Family Violence Restraining Orders
A Family Violence Restraining Order (FVRO) restrains someone who has committed family violence against the protected person and is likely to do again.
If you require legal advice in relation to a Children’s Court matter or any other legal matter, please contact Armstrong Legal.
The Western Australian Supreme Court is the highest court in Western Australia. It deals with the most serious criminal offences,…
Defending criminal charges can be a very daunting experience. Criminal trials in Western Australia can be heard in the Magistrates Court, District Court,…
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