Blessed with a mild to warm climate and white sandy ocean beaches, Sydney is a gateway to explore Australia’s enticing offerings. It is the country’s only global city that’s recognised as a leading knowledge-based economy, too.
Though the city offers a high-quality lifestyle, it has the highest rate of violent crimes, at 1445 per 100,000 people. For instance, a few neighbourhoods like Liverpool have the highest sexual offence incidents rate, at about 162.
If you are a first-time offender, going through court proceedings can be overwhelming. Reputed criminal lawyers in Sydney are experts in this field who know exactly how to defend you, ensuring you the least penalty possible. Nevertheless, you should be aware of the scenarios where hiring a criminal lawyer will be the best solution.
Assault Charges
Sydney has a crime rate of 32.2%, involving common assault. The assault falls under Part 3 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW). It includes several offences, like those causing death when intoxicated and grievous bodily harm.
Sec 61 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) states that an assault can make you liable for up to 2 years of imprisonment. And if the victim dies, you can face up to 20 years in prison.
A diligent criminal lawyer will be up-to-date about the latest NSW laws and avoid your criminal conviction if charged with an assault offence.
Drug Charges
In Sydney, the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 includes the majority of drug cases. Also, some drug offences come under the Crimes Act 1900.
The city has a moderate crime rate of 44, involving cases of possession of prohibited drugs.
Getting convicted for possession of the prohibited drug can put you behind bars for up to 2 years and make you liable to pay 20 penalty units.
The Sydney criminal lawyers build a bolstering defence for you, with complete knowledge of all the details regarding the drugs involved.
Fraud Charges
Some neighbourhoods in Sydney, like Hunters Hill, have seen a 22.6% increase in fraud cases, since 2013.
Such cases come under Part 4AA of the Crimes Act 1900, where you act dishonestly through deception. If found guilty, you might be indicted and imprisoned for up to 10 years.
A competent criminal lawyer will ensure your case is in the local court and work on making your defence secure.
Sexual Assault Charges
Under the section 61l of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), sexual assault is a grave offence, with severe penalties, including life imprisonment.
Sydney witnessed a 3.9% increase in sexual assault offences in the past few years.
If you have sexual intercourse with another person without their consent, that makes you liable to 14 years of imprisonment. If charged with sexual assault, hiring a criminal lawyer is your only option to advise you on the prospects of your case’s success.
Armed Robbery Charges
With NSW reporting about 1400-armed robbery cases in 2017, Sydney has a crime rate involving armed robbery at 32.2%.
These crimes come under section 97(1) of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), with heavy penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment. If you get arrested with armed robbery charges, it is best to get legal help from criminal lawyers in Sydney.
Affray Charges
The Sydney crime rates, involving physical attacks, stands at 24.96%. The type of conduct that interprets to affray includes a physical fight between two people in a nightclub.
If convicted for affray charges, you are liable for up to 10 years of imprisonment. The ideal way to prove your innocence is to hire a criminal lawyer with expertise in dealing with such cases.
In 2019, Sydney earned the titles of being Australia’s safest city. It boasts a cost of living index of 84.1. However, the crime rate appears to fluctuate in every suburb across Sydney. If ever charged with such criminal offences, hire a criminal lawyer to offer the best legal advice and defence.
