Sydney Criminal Lawyers

Being charged with an assault or violence offence is a serious matter that demands immediate legal attention. These charges can lead to significant penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and long-term impacts on your reputation and employment. At Hannay Lawyers, we’ve successfully represented many clients facing these charges — often achieving the best outcomes because they sought legal advice early. Acting quickly can make all the difference.

Understanding Assault Charges

Assault charges in Sydney generally refer to intentionally or recklessly causing physical harm, or even causing someone to fear imminent harm. The law covers a broad range of conduct — from common assault to more serious offences involving bodily harm or aggravating circumstances. Depending on the case, the charges may be dealt with in the Local Court or escalated to higher courts for more severe allegations.

Why You Need a Lawyer

Having an experienced assault lawyer on your side is essential. A skilled lawyer will assess the facts, review the evidence, and develop a strong defence strategy — whether that means challenging the allegations, negotiating lesser charges, or seeking to have the matter dismissed. They will also help you understand your options, possible penalties, and any available defences, such as self-defence, lack of intent, or mistaken identity.

Act Fast – Protect Your Future

The sooner you engage a lawyer, the better your chances of achieving a positive outcome. At Hannay Lawyers, we know that quick, strategic legal action can dramatically change the direction of your case. If you’ve been charged — or believe you may be — contact us immediately. Don’t leave your future to chance. Get the right legal representation and take control of your situation today.

Been charged with fraud or under investigation in Sydney? You’re staring down a gruelling legal battle that can destroy your reputation, career, and freedom. This isn’t the time to wait—every moment matters.

Fraud investigations in NSW rely on extensive police powers, and without experienced Sydney criminal lawyers protecting your rights from day one, you risk saying or doing something that torpedoes your defence. People who hesitate almost always regret it.

What Are Fraud Charges in NSW?

Under the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), fraud involves dishonestly obtaining a benefit by deception. Common charges include:

• Identity theft – using another person’s details for gain
• Credit card fraud – unauthorised use of payment cards
• Insurance fraud – false claims for payouts
• Bank fraud – manipulating accounts or loan applications
• Securities fraud – misleading investors or falsifying financial records

The prosecution must prove you intended to deceive and knowingly acted dishonestly. Even white-collar charges like employee fraud, mortgage fraud, internet scams, Medicare fraud, or superannuation theft carry maximum penalties of 10 years’ imprisonment under section 192E.

Why You Need Sydney Criminal Lawyers Now

Fraud cases are complex. Police will comb through financial records, emails, and witness statements. Without a Sydney criminal lawyer who understands NSW fraud law inside-out, you’re vulnerable during interviews, searches, and court proceedings.

Hannay Lawyers have defended clients across Sydney’s courts—from the Downing Centre Local Court to the NSW Supreme Court. We scrutinise every piece of evidence, challenge unlawful investigations, and build defences that protect your future.

Charged with break and enter in NSW? You’re facing a serious criminal offence that can lead to imprisonment and a permanent criminal record. Understanding the law—and getting expert Sydney criminal lawyers on your side immediately—is critical to protecting your future.

What Is Break & Enter Under NSW Law?

Under section 112 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), break and enter involves unlawfully entering premises with intent to commit a serious indictable offence. You don’t need to smash a window—simply opening an unlocked door or climbing through an aperture can constitute “breaking.”

You’re guilty if the prosecution proves:

• You broke any part of a dwelling or premises—this includes opening doors, windows, shutters, or any entry point by unlocking, pushing, lifting, or any other means
• You entered the premises—even if only part of your body or an instrument crossed the threshold
• You used threats, deception, or collusion to gain entry, or entered through chimneys or other openings not intended for ordinary use

Maximum penalties range from 10 years’ imprisonment (for break and enter with intent) to 14 years if committed in company or in aggravated circumstances (e.g., occupants present, violence used).

Why Sydney Criminal Lawyers Are Essential

Break and enter cases hinge on evidence collection, police searches, and witness statements. If police searches weren’t conducted lawfully, or if your intent can’t be proven, your charges could be dismissed or downgraded.

Hannay Lawyers scrutinise every detail—from search warrant validity to forensic evidence—to build a defence that challenges the prosecution’s case. We’ve defended clients across Sydney’s courts, from the Downing Centre Local Court to the NSW District Court, securing reduced sentences and acquittals.

Don’t face break and enter charges alone. The stakes are too high. Contact Hannay Lawyers now for immediate advice from Sydney’s most trusted criminal defence team.

Charged with murder or manslaughter in New South Wales? You’re facing the most serious criminal allegations in Australian law—charges that can result in life imprisonment and destroy everything you’ve built. This is not the time to hesitate. You need Sydney criminal lawyers who specialise in homicide defence, and you need them now.

Understanding Murder vs Manslaughter in NSW

Under the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), murder (section 18) occurs when a person causes death with intent to kill or inflict grievous bodily harm, or through reckless indifference to human life. The mandatory sentence is life imprisonment, though parole eligibility varies depending on the circumstances.

Manslaughter (sections 18 & 24) is the unlawful killing of another person without the intent required for murder.

Common scenarios include:

• Voluntary manslaughter – killing in the heat of passion or under extreme provocation
• Involuntary manslaughter – causing death through a dangerous or negligent act without intent to kill
• Manslaughter by criminal negligence – gross negligence that results in death

Maximum penalties for manslaughter reach 25 years’ imprisonment, but sentences depend heavily on the facts and mitigating circumstances.

Why Expert Defence Matters

Homicide cases are evidence-intensive. Police will examine forensics, autopsy reports, witness statements, and digital records. The difference between a murder conviction and a manslaughter verdict—or even an acquittal—often hinges on proving lack of intent, self-defence, or substantial impairment under section 23A.

Hannay Lawyers have defended clients in NSW’s most serious homicide cases, from the NSW Supreme Court to appellate proceedings. We work with forensic experts, reconstruct timelines, and challenge prosecution narratives to protect your freedom.

Don’t face murder or manslaughter charges alone. Contact Hannay Lawyers today for immediate, expert legal representation from Sydney’s leading criminal defence team.

Your life is on the line. Call now.

Facing domestic violence charges in New South Wales? These allegations can shatter your reputation, family relationships, and future employment prospects before you even step into court. Whether the accusations are true, exaggerated, or completely false, you need Sydney criminal lawyers who understand the complexities of domestic violence law and can mount an aggressive defence.

What Are Domestic Violence Offences in NSW?

Under the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 (NSW), domestic violence encompasses a broad range of conduct between family members or intimate partners, including:

• Common assault (section 61 of the Crimes Act 1900)
• Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (section 59)
• Stalking or intimidation (section 13 of the Crimes Act)
• Damaging property

Breaching an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO)

Even without physical violence, actions like threatening behaviour, harassment, or intimidation can lead to criminal charges. Maximum penalties vary widely—from 2 years for common assault to 5 years for assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and up to 5 years for breaching an ADVO in aggravated circumstances.

The Real Consequences

Domestic violence convictions carry harsh penalties beyond imprisonment. You may face:

• Immediate loss of firearm licences
• Restrictions on contact with children
• Immigration consequences for visa holders
• Employment barriers, especially in industries requiring background checks

Courts in NSW take domestic violence extremely seriously. Police often apply for ADVOs automatically, restricting where you can go and who you can contact, even before you’re convicted of anything.

Why You Need Expert Defence

Many domestic violence allegations arise from relationship breakdowns, custody disputes, or misunderstandings. Hannay Lawyers scrutinise witness statements, challenge inconsistencies, and expose false allegations. We’ve successfully defended clients across Sydney courts, from the Downing Centre to Parramatta Local Court, securing dismissals, section 10 non-convictions, and reduced charges.

Don’t let domestic violence allegations define your future. Contact Hannay Lawyers now for immediate legal advice.

Accused of a sexual offence in New South Wales? You’re facing some of the most serious criminal charges in Australian law—allegations that can result in decades of imprisonment, mandatory sex offender registration, and permanent destruction of your reputation. Even before trial, these charges can cost you your job, family, and standing in the community. You need Sydney criminal lawyers who specialise in sexual offence defence, and you need them immediately.

What Are Sexual Offences in NSW?

Under the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), sexual offences cover a wide range of conduct, including:

• Sexual assault (section 61I) – maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment
• Aggravated sexual assault (section 61J) – up to 20 years, or life imprisonment in company
• Sexual touching (section 61KC) – up to 5 years imprisonment
• Child sexual offences (sections 66A-66EB) – penalties ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment depending on the age of the complainant and circumstances
• Possession or distribution of child abuse material (section 91H) – up to 10 years imprisonment
• Indecent assault and acts of indecency

The prosecution must prove the sexual act occurred without consent and that you knew, or were reckless as to whether, consent was absent.

The Stakes Are Enormous

Sexual offence convictions carry consequences beyond imprisonment. You may face:

• Mandatory inclusion on the Child Protection Register
• Severe restrictions on employment, travel, and where you can live
• Public notification requirements in some cases
• Permanent criminal records that follow you forever

Why Expert Defence Is Critical

Sexual offence cases often hinge on credibility, forensic evidence, and expert cross-examination. Hannay Lawyers meticulously examine complainant statements, digital evidence, and timelines to expose inconsistencies and build powerful defences. We’ve defended clients across NSW courts, from Local Courts to the Supreme Court, securing acquittals and dismissed charges.

Don’t face these allegations alone.

Contact Hannay Lawyers today for immediate, confidential legal advice from Sydney’s most trusted criminal defence team.

Charged with a traffic offence in New South Wales? Don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s just a fine you can pay and forget. Serious traffic charges can result in licence disqualification, hefty fines, criminal convictions, and even imprisonment. Whether you’re facing drink driving, dangerous driving, or licence suspension, you need Sydney criminal lawyers who understand NSW traffic law and can fight to keep you on the road.

Common Traffic Offences in NSW

Under the Road Transport Act 2013 (NSW) and Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), traffic offences range from minor infringements to serious criminal charges, including:

• Drink driving (PCA offences) – penalties increase with blood alcohol level, ranging from automatic licence disqualification to 2 years imprisonment for high-range PCA
• Drug driving – detection of illicit substances while driving carries automatic disqualification and fines up to $3,300
• Dangerous driving (section 52A) – up to 3 years imprisonment, or 5 years if causing death or grievous bodily harm
• Negligent driving (section 117 of the Road Transport Act) – maximum $3,300 fine and automatic disqualification
• Drive whilst suspended or disqualified – up to 18 months imprisonment for repeat offenders
• Speeding offences – excessive speed can lead to automatic licence suspension and substantial fines

Why Your Licence Matters

Losing your licence isn’t just an inconvenience—it can cost you your job, your ability to care for family, and your independence. Courts have discretion to impose section 10 non-convictions or reduce disqualification periods, but only if you have expert legal representation.

How Hannay Lawyers Can Help

Traffic law is technical. Police procedures, breath test accuracy, and roadside drug testing can all be challenged. Hannay Lawyers examine every detail—from the legality of the traffic stop to calibration records of testing devices—to build defences that protect your licence.

We’ve successfully defended clients across Sydney’s courts, securing reduced penalties, section 10 dismissals, and appealed disqualifications.

Don’t risk your licence.

Contact Hannay Lawyers now for immediate legal advice from Sydney’s leading traffic offence lawyers.