-
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 Sally Crosswell
Sally Crosswell has a Bachelor of Laws (Hons), a Bachelor of Communication and a Master of International and Community Development. She also completed a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice at the College of Law. A former journalist, Sally has a keen interest in human rights law.
Penalty units (WA)
A penalty unit is a measurement used to determine the amount of a fine for an offence. The value of the unit is multiplied by the number of units set for the offence by the legislation.
The use of a penalty unit is more efficient than a monetary amount given that fine amounts are constantly changing with inflation and public policy. It avoids the time and administrative costs of amending legislation.
Most jurisdictions have a statutory mechanism for periodic review and adjustment of the value of a penalty unit in line with inflation. However, Western Australia is an exception. The state sets rates for units depending on the legislation under which the offence falls. For road offences it is $50 but for other offences it can be up to $163. To change the unit value, each Act in which a penalty unit is set must be amended by parliament.
Criticism of WA’s approach to penalty units
In a 2019 review of penalties under the Road Traffic Code 2000, the Road Safety Commission recommended the State Government consider reviewing the value of a penalty unit under the Code. It found fines in WA to be significantly lower than other jurisdictions and the national average, in some cases less than a quarter of the equivalent offence in other jurisdictions.
Section 8 of the Road Traffic (Administration) Act 2008 provides that the dollar value of a fine is determined by multiplying the number of penalty units by 50. A penalty unit was set at $50 when the use of the unit was introduced in 1997 and has remained unchanged. In other jurisdictions, the value of a penalty unit has risen in line with inflation. For example, since 2011-2012, the value of a unit in Victoria has risen 31%, and in Queensland by 30%. The Commission pointed out that via periodic adjustment of units, other jurisdictions had been able to maintain the deterrent effect of fines, and that the disparity in fines for equivalent offences between jurisdictions would continue to magnify unless WA adopted periodic adjustment.
For advice or representation in any legal matter, please contact Armstrong Legal.
Probation is a sentencing option commonly used by courts in Western Australia for adult offenders. How do you define probation?…
When a person is found guilty of a criminal offence and the conviction imposed is declared spent, the requirement for…
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