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With a cramped time frame, she did in 3 days what another firm dilly-dallied for 7 months. Lisa kept me informed. Helena made me feel comfortable in a sticky situation.

- Client

I will definitely be using your company in the future if needed. Lisa kept me at ease also there were no grey areas with great advice. Helana is a great front of house.

- Client

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 Courtney Ashton - Solicitor - Perth

Courtney holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Criminology and Justice from Edith Cowan University and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from the College of Law. Courtney is a dedicated practitioner who enjoys a challenge and has competently completed many traffic and summary jurisdiction matters. Courtney enjoys advocacy and has appeared in a number of drink driving,...

The Western Australian Supreme Court

The Western Australian Supreme Court is the highest court in Western Australia. It deals with the most serious criminal offences, such as murder and manslaughter and civil matters where the amount in dispute is over $750,000. The Supreme Court also hears applications for injunctions and other forms of relief, as well as matters related to probate and the administration of a deceased estate and all matters concerning the division of real property.

It also hears appeals against decisions by Magistrates in criminal matters.

Juries

Criminal trials in the WA Supreme Court are generally heard by a judge and jury. The jury is composed of 12 people chosen at random from the electoral roll and summonsed to attend court for jury selection.

Almost all civil trials in Western Australia are heard by judge alone.

Criminal Matters

The Supreme Court hears serious indictable criminal matters. These matters begin in the Magistrates Court or Children’s Court and proceed through a committal hearing. Unlike other states, a committal hearing in Western Australia is largely administrative, and does not require the court to make any findings as to the merits of the matter. The court will simply confirm that disclosure has been served, and that both parties are ready to have the matter committed to the superior court.

When a person pleads not guilty in the Western Australian Supreme Court, they will have to stand trial before a jury. It usually takes quite some time for a matter that is taken to trial to be finalised – from a few months to over a year. This is because criminal matters that go to trial usually proceed through a number of other proceedings first. This often includes a bail application and a voir dire – a hearing held to determine whether a particular piece of evidence is admissible or should be excluded. It is also because trials take a long time and the court diary can often be booked up months in advance.

When a person is convicted of a crime in the Supreme Court, they are liable to the maximum penalties as set out in the Criminal Code.

Supreme Court criminal matters are prosecuted by the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) on behalf of the State of Western Australia.

Civil Matters

Actions in tort law, contract law and commercial law may be dealt with in the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court also deals with all matters involving the administration of deceased estates. This includes:

applications for probate, where the person named as executor in a will is seeking the authority to take possession of assets and distribute them; and
applications for letters of administration with the will annexed where a person has died with a will that does not appoint an executor or appoints someone who cannot or will not act.

Court of Appeal

The WA Court of Appeal hears appeals against decisions by a single judge of the Supreme Court as well as appeals against decisions of the District Court. It hears criminal appeals against sentence and conviction.

Appeals in the Court of Appeal are usually decided by three judges, although occasionally an appeal will be heard by two judges.

Decisions of the Court of Appeal can be appealed to the High Court of Australia. The High Court’s decision is final and binding on all Australian courts.

Attending Court

If you are required to attend the WA Supreme Court for a matter, make sure you arrive well before the time the matter is listed to be heard. Ensure you know which court your matter is going to be heard in and have your phone switched off or on silent before you enter the courtroom. If the judge asks you a question, stand up when they are speaking to you and address the judge as ‘Your Honour.’

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

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