Criminal law is the system of law relating to crime committed by individuals against other people and, theoretically, the state or the community in general. Criminal law is one of the oldest areas of law in existence and the principles of criminal law are one of the most certain and settled areas of law because the principles have had such a long period to develop. Criminal law is also the type of law that most people think of because of the image that television has given the law over the years. Criminal law deals with some of the most serious crimes which are committed in a community such as murder, manslaughter, grievous bodily harm and assault and also relates to some of the less violent areas of crime such as fraud, theft and other types of property crimes or white collar crime.
In the classical theoretical sense, criminal law involves a prosecution by the state of a crime against the individual and the individual must defend themselves against the charges brought by the prosecutors. The charges in common law system must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt which is a much higher standard of proof than the standard required for civil liability which is decided on the balance of probabilities. Also, indictable offences in Australia are generally heard before a jury. However, there is generally not a jury trial in a case of civil liability. Theoretical issues aside, criminal law involves some of the the most serious legal issues which arise in our community.
How can a criminal law solicitor help me?
If you are the victim of a crime, you can benefit from the advice of a solicitor in relation to victims compensation programs and the way to refer a matter to the police. If you have been charged with a criminal, you will certainly benefit from the legal advice of a professional who can assist you to understand what your pleading might be, what sentencing options might be considered by the court and if there are any points in your favour which might lead to your acquittal or a reduced sentence.
Recent Legal Information
Has surveillance gone too far? CCTV cameras watching the police
Source: Daily Telegraph Author: Andrew Hough 3:30PM GMT 07 Feb 2012 An undercover cop "chased himself round the streets" for 20 minutes in a town in southern England after a surveillance camera operator wrongly identified him as a suspect. The junior officer was patrolling the area by foot, after...more legal information
Changes proposed to Victims Compensation Scheme in New South Wales
There is currently a review under way in relation to the victims compensation schemes in New South Wales. One of our lawyers was recently interviewed in relation to this matter. more legal information
White Collar Criminal Sentenced
Source: Stuart Washington, Sydney Morning Hearld July 25, 2011 When Shawn Richard sought character references as he faced a lengthy jail sentence, there were a few people from his past he felt he could ask. Even the mention of Richard's name would be bad news to investors in the Albury-based fund...more legal information
Ex-Barker College student tells of sexual abuse
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Houda speaks out on police discrimination and prejudice
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Strange Murder - Herman Rockefeller
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Cocaine related convictions spiral upwards
According to the most Senior Crime Researcher in New South Wales, the state is facing a massive cocaine epidemic. Users are willing to buy the drug at up to $500 a gram. The use of cocaine across the state has increased by more than 50 per cent in the past two years, the latest NSW crime statistics...more legal information
Lawyers say sexting means risk of legal sanctions
If you are a person under 18 in New South Wales, there is a big chance that if you send flirtatious text images to your partner. You will be at risk of being prosecuted under child pornography charges because of discrepancies in state and federal laws. This is because the age of consent in NSW is...more legal information
Need a fraud lawyer? An example from the SEC's accusation against Goldman Sachs
In almost all jurisdictions around the world there is the concept of fraud. In the US at the moment, the has been a landmark movement to charge employees of the Goldman Sachs organisation with fraud over representations that they made in relation to the sale of collateralised debt obligations (CDOs...more legal information
Leading criminal lawyer in Sydney retires
Nicholas Cowdroy, the Director of Public Prosecutions in New South Wales, announced today that he is to step down from his present position and retire at the age of 65. The Director of Public Prosecutions has been in the job for over a decade and retires with a distinguished career behind him having...more legal information
Criminal Defence, Corporate Law and doing business in China
In Shanghai today, An Australian mining executive who had been charged with corporate espionage in China pleaded his honesty. His lawyer claimed that essential Stern Hu's actions had been subject to misinterpretation and that he was essentially an honest man who had made some serious mistakes. The...more legal information