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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 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 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 as well as complex civil matters 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 all wills matters and matters concerning the administration of deceased estates.
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 Court and proceed through a committal hearing. If there is enough evidence to support a finding of guilt, the matter is committed to the Supreme Court. The accused is then either sentenced or tried.
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 proceeding 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 found guilty of offences in the Supreme Court, they can be sentenced to much more severe penalties than the Magistrates Court can impose.
Supreme Court criminal matters are prosecuted by the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) also known as the Crown.
Civil matters
Actions in tort law, contract law and commercial law are dealt with in the WA Supreme Court. The WA 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; 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; and letters of administration, where a person has died without a will and the court is asked to make a grant of letters of administration to an appropriate person.
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 decision of the District Court and other courts and tribunals in the state. It hears criminal appeals against sentence and against conviction.
Some appeals require leave to appeal from the court while others do not.
Appeals in the Court of Appeal are usually decided by three judges, although occasionally an appeal will be heard by two judges or by a single judge.
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.
If you have been convicted of a criminal offence and/or sentenced in the Magistrates Court, you have a right to…
Defending a criminal charge can be very daunting, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the criminal justice system. Trials can…
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.
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