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What is criminal law in NSW

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Award Winning Criminal Law Experts
We have won several criminal defence and client service excellence awards every year up to and including [year].
Proven Track
Record
60+ Years of combined experience defending criminal matters means a successful outcome is on the table.
5 Star Reviews
Everywhere
We’re in it to win it and we fight hard for our clients. That’s why anywhere you look you will find only 5 star reviews.
Easy Finance
Options
Get urgent premium legal representation now and pay later with affordable fortnightly or monthly payments.
Criminal law is a complex area of law which is designed to protect society above all else. Criminal offences create danger to the community and criminal procedure exists to punish offenders and prevent re-offending.
At the outset, legal advice should be sought if you have been accused of committing an offence under the legislation or act specific to your state. You need to be aware of how to plead, what process to follow and what consequences or sentence you may receive.
Jameson law can assist with all of the above and have a team of experts waiting to help you at any time.
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Criminal Justice System
The criminal justice system is an important aspect of society and community protection. Criminal conduct is subject to strict criminal procedure within the court system, specifically, Magistrate’s Court deals with summary offences, Supreme Court deals with indictable offences.
It is important that strict evidence and processing procedures are followed to ensure a smooth process. At a minimum the process cannot succeed without evidence and this is a core component of the criminal justice process. When offences relating to criminal law are brought before either the district or supreme court the burden of proof falls to public prosecutions. It is their responsibility to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty.
This is achieved primarily through the presentation of evidence and its link to key criminal law principles relevant to the criminal offence or offences that have been accused. Following this there needs to be a consideration of all the evidence and external factors before a determination is made.
Why Is Reasonable Doubt An Important Concept?
Reasonable doubt is the benchmark upon which all criminal offences are measured against and ultimately affects whether the offender is determined guilty or not guilty. It is the responsibility of the prosecution to prove that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The threshold for this test is that of what an ordinary non-legally trained person would consider reasonable. In a jury situation, those making the decision of guilty versus non guilty are ordinary citizens of society who have no legal training or background.
This is so that the verdict is overall fair and equitable. A legally trained person could easily sway the other jurors to a decision with their training and it has the ability to bias the decision.
All decision must be based on fact and evidence presented at the trial and nothing else. The judge will then decide whether the defendant transfers to custody or not when he makes a decision about sentencing.
Common Law
Common law is an important concept which s relevant to each aspect of law whether it be criminal, civil, contract, etc. You may understand common law to be either case law or statute law and it is prevalent in criminal law through its general principles and practices.
Common law has influenced legislation, precedent and sentencing as it provides a firm basis based on cases that have previously established legal principles. Criminal law could not exist without common law.
Children’s Court
There is a universal understanding that children, in most instances, cannot be held to the same standard as adults and therefore, children’s court or youth justice court as it is known in some states, is different.
Children’s court for one is a closed court that the general public cannot sit in on as children are one of the most vulnerable classes within society. All child defendants will be provided with public defenders to assist them legally.
The punishment for children is different to that of adults as they cannot be sent to an adult prison. The severe punishment, which is not awarded lightly is that of a youth detention center which in principle is focused more on rehabilitation than punishment.
Children, to a point, are not as aware of their actions as adults so instead of being punished, they need to be nurtured and taught about the consequences of their actions. The sentences imposed are designed to teach rather than ingrain criminal behaviour.
Other penalties that can be provided are community service, mandatory therapy, and other rehabilitative programs that can be completed outside a detention center.
What Sentences Are Common For Criminal Offending?
There are a number of sentences which you can receive if found guilty of a criminal offence. Sentencing is deemed to serve a few different purposes however they are all interlinked with a general deterrence factor.
Sentencing is meant to not only deter individuals from committing further offences but is meant to act as a community deterrence as well. The legislation incorporates maximum and minimum sentences to try and encourage good behaviour. It accepts that there can be mistakes made and that some leniency should be given in those circumstances.
Alternatively, it is understood that serious and often habitual offending must be punished as well and that serious punishments have a greater chance of deterrence. It is essentially a legislative and judgement call to make.
Below is a list of sentences you could receive;
Suspended sentence;
Community corrections order;
Term of imprisonment;
Monetary penalty;
Loss of licence;
etc.

What Factors Need to Be Considered When Sentencing?
Appropriate sentencing is not an easy task and there are many factors that need to be taken into account. Judges consider both the evidence and the personal factors of the individual when considering what punishment to order. Personal factors relate to mitigating circumstances at the time of the offence as well as factors such as mental health, family considerations or intoxication.
Mental health for example is a particularly prevalent factor which features prominently within the courts. Mental health refers to a diagnosed or supported health condition which may affect a persons mental capacity and behaviour. It is particularly difficult to prove mental incapacity because it is a high threshold.
In many cases, mental incapacity may make a period of incarceration a challenge for a person because there is evidence to suggest that they would not mentally cope with that environment. In that regard, a period of time in an institution or medical ward may be warranted.
Family factors are another factor that can be taken into account but they need to be such that a punishment such as a term of incarceration would greatly affect the lives of another. This may be children for example who will have no choice but to enter the foster system if a term of imprisonment was ordered. The sentence imposed however still needs to be punitive and the court needs to decide what balance to give.
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What our Clients
Legal Answers ... In Short
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions.
What should I do if I am charged with a criminal offence in Sydney?
If you are charged with a criminal offence in Sydney, seek immediate legal advice. Jameson Law solicitors can explain your options, represent you in court, and ensure your rights are protected.
What courts handle criminal matters in NSW?
The Local Court deals with summary offences, while the District and Supreme Courts handle more serious indictable offences. Jameson Law represents clients across all court levels in NSW.
What does ‘beyond reasonable doubt’ mean?
It is the standard of proof in criminal cases. The prosecution must prove the defendant’s guilt so strongly that no reasonable doubt remains. Learn more.
What penalties could I face if convicted?
Sentences in NSW include imprisonment, fines, community corrections orders, or loss of licence. The outcome depends on the seriousness of the offence and your circumstances. See our sentencing guide.
Can Jameson Law assist with bail applications?
Yes. Our criminal solicitors regularly assist clients with bail applications in Sydney courts.
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Our Sydney Offices

Parramatta CBD - Head Office
- (02) 8806 0866
- 0488 817 882
- 02 9052 0840
- info@jamesonlaw.com.au
- Suite 301, 67-69 Philip St Parramatta NSW 2150
Sydney CBD - Practice Office
- 02-8806-0866
- 0488 817 882
- 02 9052 0840
- info@jamesonlaw.com.au
- Tower One Barangaroo International Towers Level 35, 100 Barangaroo Ave Sydney NSW 2000
Blacktown CBD - Practice Office
- (02) 8806 0866
- 0488 817 882
- 02 9052 0840
- info@jamesonlaw.com.au
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Level 3 81 Flushcombe Road, Blacktown NSW 2148
(By Appointment Only)

Liverpool CBD - Practice Office
- (02) 8806 0866
- 0488 817 882
- 02 9052 0840
- info@jamesonlaw.com.au
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Level 2, 215-219 George Street, Liverpool NSW 2170
(By Appointment Only)

Bankstown CBD - Practice Office
- (02) 8806 0866
- 0488 817 882
- 02 9052 0840
- info@jamesonlaw.com.au
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23 Restwell Street, Bankstown NSW 2200
(By Appointment Only)


Court Houses We Frequent
Local Courts
Balmain Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- local-court-burwood@justice.nsw.gov.au
- 368 Darling Street, Balmain NSW 2041
Registry: Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:30pm
Bankstown Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9722 6060
- PO Box 71 BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
- local-court-bankstown@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Cnr Chapel Road and The Mall BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
Court Operating Hours: 9:30am-4:30pm
Blacktown Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9672 2666
- PO Box 217 BLACKTOWN NSW 2148
- local-court-blacktown@justice.nsw.gov.au
- 1 Kildare Road Blacktown NSW 2148
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 -4:30
Days open: Mon-Fri
Burwood Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9744 4144
- PO Box 235 BURWOOD NSW 1805
- local-court-burwood@justice.nsw.gov.au
- 7-9 Belmore Street BURWOOD NSW 2134
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Days open: Mon – Fri
Campbell Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9821 7888
- PO Box 3435 LIVERPOOL WESTFIELDS NSW 2170
- local-court-campbelltown@justice.nsw.gov.au
- 150 George Street LIVERPOOL NSW 2170
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Days open: Mon – Fri
Central Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 4223 3633
- PO Box 5395 WOLLONGONG NSW 2500
- local-court-wollongong@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Cnr Market and Church Streets WOLLONGONG NSW 2500
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Downing Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 4223 3633
- PO Box 5395 WOLLONGONG NSW 2500
- dclc@justice.nsw.gov.au
- 143-147 Liverpool Street, Sydney NSW 2000
- Nearest Train Station: Museum Station (Liverpool Street entrance is directly opposite)
- Levels: Local Court matters are heard on levels 4 and 5.
- Public Transport: Well-served by buses and trains, with easy access to nearby bus stops and Museum Station.
- Parking: Limited street parking is available, and there are several public parking garages nearby.
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Wollongong Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 4223 3633
- PO Box 5395 WOLLONGONG NSW 2500
- local-court-wollongong@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Cnr Market and Church Streets WOLLONGONG NSW 2500
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Fairfield Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 4223 3633
- PO Box 5395 WOLLONGONG NSW 2500
- local-court-wollongong@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Cnr Spencer St & Court Rd, Fairfield NSW 2165
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Hornsby Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9847 9955
- PO Box 96 HORNSBY NSW 1630
- local-court-hornsby@justice.nsw.gov.au
- 294 Peats Ferry Rd HORNSBY NSW 2077
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Liverpool Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9722 6060
- PO Box 71 BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
- local-court-bankstown@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Cnr Chapel Road and The Mall BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Manly Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9722 6060
- PO Box 71 BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
- local-court-bankstown@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Cnr Chapel Road and The Mall BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Newtown Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9722 6060
- PO Box 71 BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
- local-court-bankstown@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Cnr Chapel Road and The Mall BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Parramatta Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 4223 3633
- PO Box 92 Parramatta NSW 2150, Australia
- local-court-parramatta@justice.nsw.gov.au
- 12 George Street Parramatta NSW 2150, Australia
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Penrith Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9722 6060
- PO Box 71 BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
- local-court-bankstown@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Cnr Chapel Road and The Mall BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Sutherland Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- PO Box 37, Sutherland 2232
- local-court-sutherland@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Cnr Flora and Belmont Street, Sutherland NSW 2232
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Waverley Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9722 6060
- PO Box 71 BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
- local-court-bankstown@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Cnr Chapel Road and The Mall BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Windsor Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9722 6060
- PO Box 71 BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
- local-court-bankstown@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Cnr Chapel Road and The Mall BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Wollongong Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9722 6060
- PO Box 71 BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
- local-court-bankstown@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Cnr Chapel Road and The Mall BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
District Courts
Downing Centre District Court
- 1300 679 272
- PO Box 71 BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
- downingcentredc@justice.nsw.gov.au
- 143-147 Liverpool Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Days open: Mon – Fri
Parramatta District Court
- (02) 8688 7777
- local-court-bankstown@justice.nsw.gov.au
- 12 George Street, Parramatta NSW 2150
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 4:30
Days open: Mon-Fri
Penrith District Court
- 1300 679 272
- local-court-penrith@justice.nsw.gov.au
- 64-72 Henry Street, Penrith NSW 2750
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 4:30
Days open: Mon-Fri
Campbelltown District Court
- 1300 679 272
- local-court-campbelltown@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Railway Street, Campbelltown NSW 2560
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 4:30
Days open: Mon – Fri
Liverpool District Court
- 1300 679 272
- local-court-liverpool@justice.nsw.gov.au
- 150 George Street, Liverpool NSW 2170
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 4:30
Days open: Mon – Fri
Wollongong District Court
- 1300 679 272
- local-court-wollongong@justice.nsw.gov.au
- 97-99 Market Street, Wollongong NSW 2500
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Supreme Courts
Supreme Court New South Wales
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9230 8025
- (02) 9230 8233
- GPO Box 3 Sydney NSW 2001 Australia
- sc.enquiries@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Law Courts Building 184 Phillip Street Sydney NSW 2000
Registry Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Telephone Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Days Open: Monday to Friday
Federal Court
Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
- 1300 352 000
- (02) 9230 8000
- GPO Box 9991, Sydney NSW
- enquiries@fcfcoa.gov.au
- Lionel Bowen, Building, 97/99 Goulburn St, Sydney NSW 2001
Registry Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Telephone Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Days Open: Monday to Friday
Federal Court
- 1300 720 980
- (02) 9230 8020
- GPO Box 9991, Sydney NSW
- enquiries@fedcourt.gov.au
- 97-99 Goulburn St in the heart of the Sydney CBD
Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
High Court
- (02) 6270 6811
- (02) 6270 6868
- Parkes Place, Canberra ACT 2600
- enquiries@hcourt.gov.au
- Parkes Place, Canberra ACT 2600
Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Specialised Courts
Children’s Court of New South Wales
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9722 6060
- Cnr Chapel Road and The Mall BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
- PO Box 71 BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
- sc.enquiries@justice.nsw.gov.au
Registry Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Telephone Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Days Open: Monday to Friday
Coroner’s Court New South Wales
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9230 8025
- (02) 9230 8233
- GPO Box 3 Sydney NSW 2001 Australia
- sc.enquiries@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Law Courts Building 184 Phillip Street Sydney NSW 2000
Registry Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Telephone Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Days Open: Monday to Friday
Industrial Relations Commission of New South Wales
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9230 8025
- (02) 9230 8233
- GPO Box 3 Sydney NSW 2001 Australia
- sc.enquiries@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Law Courts Building 184 Phillip Street Sydney NSW 2000
Registry Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Telephone Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Days Open: Monday to Friday
Land and Environment Court of New South Wales
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9230 8025
- (02) 9230 8233
- GPO Box 3 Sydney NSW 2001 Australia
- sc.enquiries@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Law Courts Building 184 Phillip Street Sydney NSW 2000
Registry Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Telephone Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Days Open: Monday to Friday