Criminal lawyers for minor offences and serious crimes, Hornsby NSW

LEADING CRIMINAL LAWYERS HORNSBY

Stacks Collins Thompson are the criminal lawyers Hornsby and North Shore locals rely on most when their future is on the line. With an unrivalled reputation in criminal law, we can advise and support your defence in court for various criminal matters, including property, assault, drug and traffic charges.

MEET YOUR HORNSBY CRIMINAL LAWYERS AND LEGAL AID EXPERTS

John Gooley

Solicitor

Hornsby

“When your freedom and future livelihood are at stake, you need experienced advice on your side. Having supported our local community for decades, Stacks Collins Thompson are the leading criminal lawyers in Hornsby, as well as the organisers of the Legal Aid roster for Hornsby Local Court.”

In Hornsby and the North Shore, just like any community, individuals and businesses can find themselves facing criminal charges.

Given Hornsby’s proximity to major arterials like Pennant Hills Road, the Pacific Highway and M1 Motorway, traffic offences play a significant role in local criminal cases. Other legal matters involve property, assault, drug and domestic violence charges.

Facing criminal charges can be a scary time with considerable uncertainty over your future. Stacks Collins Thompson are Hornsby lawyers specialising in defending criminal law charges and providing expert guidance and support during this challenging time.

Your local defenders

Police interviews

Negotiating to have your matter heard in the Local Court

Securing favourable bail conditions

Making informed decisions on how to plea to any charges

Representing you at trial (we can also enlist the assistance of expert criminal barristers for very serious matters)

Assisting with sentencing submissions

Breaking down the “legal speak” and explaining matters in simple English throughout the entire process

Legal Aid Hornsby

Stacks Collins Thompson is responsible for overseeing the Legal Aid roster for Hornsby Local Court. Additionally, we regularly provide agency services for other legal firms which have matters before Hornsby Local Court.

We have a positive working relationship with Hornsby and other local courts and a number of our Hornsby solicitors have worked in a pro bono or Legal Aid capacity.

This expertise demonstrates our deep local connection and commitment to serving our community – all of which is vital for residents navigating the local legal system.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need a lawyer?

If you have been charged with an “indictable” offence, it is particularly important to have a lawyer from the moment you are aware that you may be facing criminal prosecution.

The issue of whether an indictable offence will be dealt with in the District Court or Local Court – such as Hornsby Local Court – is of particular importance. This is because a lower maximum penalty is likely to apply in the Local Court.

As such, having a lawyer on your side can be of great assistance in negotiating a plea agreement with the police or prosecution to ensure that your case proceeds in the Local Court.

What is an “indictable offence”?

Indictable offences are offences that carry a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment or more.

If the offence is “strictly indictable” (for particularly serious charges), then it must be heard by a judge and jury. It is possible for indictable offences that are less serious to be heard in the Local Court by a magistrate, if the prosecution agrees.

What is a “summary offence”?

Summary offences are offences that must be heard in the Local Court by a magistrate. These offences carry maximum penalties of less than two years’ imprisonment. Some other offences are identified as summary offences in the relevant legislation.

Certain other offences can also be dealt with in the Local Court, with the agreement of the prosecution or the defence, even if the maximum penalty exceeds two years’ imprisonment. These are known as “Table 1” and “Table 2” offences.

It is almost always better to have your case dealt with in the Local Court if you can, because the Local Court can’t impose penalties for criminal offences beyond two years’ imprisonment (even if the maximum penalty quoted in the legislation is higher.)

Stacks Collins Thompson can negotiate with the prosecution on your behalf to try to have your case dealt with in the Local Court, including Hornsby Local Court.

Can anyone accused of committing a criminal offence be granted bail?

Bail is theoretically available for all criminal charges. However, for certain serious offences and for people with a history of failing to attend court, or breaching their parole or bail, it’s necessary to show cause why their detention is not justified.

Generally, when deciding whether to grant bail, the court will consider:

Whether the person accused is a flight risk
Whether the person accused is dangerous to the community
Whether the person accused is likely to commit a serious offence
Whether the person is likely to interfere with evidence in relation to the charge

What is a “custodial sentence”?

A “custodial sentence” is a penalty which involves a prison sentence, or a penalty which acts as an alternative to imprisonment. Examples of custodial penalties include:

Community service order
Suspended sentence
Intensive correction order
Home detention

What is an “Intensive Correction Order”?

An Intensive Correction Order is a court order that requires you to complete 32 hours of community service per month, strictly supervised by Community Corrections, as well as meeting other conditions. The court must have imposed a sentence of imprisonment before an Intensive Correction Order (ICO) can be considered.

Not everybody is deemed suitable for an ICO – Corrective Services will first do an assessment to decide whether it is appropriate for a particular offender. ICOs can only be considered for sentences under two years.

What is a “Community Corrections Order”?

A Community Corrections Order (CCO) is a non-custodial sentence, meaning that offenders serve their sentence in the community instead of in prison. These are issued for offences that are not deemed serious enough to warrant prison time, but where a fine or lower penalty would be insufficient.

Conditions which could be imposed by the court include:

Community service work (up to 500 hours)
Curfews
Supervision by Community Corrections Officers

The CCO replaces what was formerly known as a Section 9 Good Behaviour Bond.

What is a “Conditional Release Order”?

A Conditional Release Order (CRO) is the most lenient sentence given to offenders, typically for less serious crimes and offenders who are deemed low risk of reoffending. It may be issued with or without a criminal conviction being recorded.

Offenders sentenced to a CRO are not subject to imprisonment but are bound by two standard conditions:

They must not commit any offence during the term of the order
They must appear before the court if called upon to do so

The court can also impose additional conditions.

CROs replace what were previously known as Section 10 (1) (b) non-conviction bonds.

Stacks Collins Thompson can advocate for you to receive a CRO without conviction, including suggesting further conditions to the court based on your circumstances and the offence in question.

Could I be sentenced to a good behaviour bond, Community Service Order, home detention, or a suspended sentence?

Sentencing laws in NSW were changed from September 2018, with the aim “to improve the availability and nature of community-based sentencing options” and reduce the prevalence of short-term prison sentences being issued for offenders who are deemed unlikely to reoffend.

As part of these changes, the following no longer form part of the court’s sentencing options:

Home detention
Suspended sentences (Section 12)
Community Service Orders
Section 9 Good Behaviour Bonds
Section 10 (1) (b) non-conviction bonds

These sentences have been replaced by:

Conditional Release Orders (CRO) with or without conviction
Community Correction Orders (CCO)

Read more on the 2018 NSW sentencing law changes.

Can I avoid a criminal record?

If you plead guilty to a criminal offence, the court will generally impose a penalty and record a conviction against you. If the court records a conviction, then you will have a criminal record. However, the court may issue a Conditional Release Order (CRO) without conviction.

This is another reason why it is valuable to have a lawyer represent you in court. Whenever possible, our expert Hornsby lawyers at Stacks Collins Thompson will endeavour to convince the court not to record a conviction against you.

Michelle Goddard

I have been using Stacks Law Hornsby for a number of years and the whole team from David, Kay & Tracey have been nothing but amazing. Nothing is ever a hassle, all legal questions are answered promptly and with all required information. They are upfront and honest, they are always available and do not delay responses. To have support of a great legal team when you are going through life’s big challenges makes it all so much easier. Thank you to David, Kay & Tracey for being a wonderful team to work with.

Perhaps Me

The firm and staff have been first rate professionals.

John Orr

Tracey and Kay and team do a great job supporting and executing the stressful job of buying and selling property. They first helped our son buy his first apartment, then us in our downsizing. We had good advice and guidance along the way, always available for questions, and pro-active in anticipating potential problems. We're very happy with the outcome, would use them again (except we're not going to move from our new home any time soon!). Would recommend them to anyone wanting a responsible and supportive conveyancer.

Peter Disney

Have been dealings with this company for many years, many different staff, on many topics from conveyancing to wills and guardianships. I have been nothing but impressed by their level of service and professionalism and advice, exceeding my expectations where other parties have not. I highly recommend them.

Scott Wilson

We recently used Stacks Collin’s Thompson for a settlement.
The service provided by Tracey Hussey was first rate, everything when without hitch.
I would highly recommend.

Jennifer Prowse

A huge thank you to Tracey for her kindness, speed and efficiency with our conveyancing. Tracey is very professional, knowledgeable and we would recommend her to everyone.

Kathryn

I would like to thank Tracey, Kay and the team for working with me in the purchase and sale of my properties. I felt supported throughout the entire process and appreciated their prompt and thorough responses. Thanks again.

Neil P

The staff at Stacks Collins Thompson were very helpful and professional in their dealings with me in the sale of my property at Eastwood. Everything was done very efficiently, without any problems.

Jeremy Claire Gluyas

Mr John Gooley was an agent of our first solicitor, in the end we gave him the brief as his clear and concise advice, was what I needed to hear( if not what i initially wanted). I was shown why my second choice was a better option. I feel I received proper legal advice, as opposed to what the representative thought I wanted to hear. A good outcome in an otherwise terrible situation. Thanks John and David.

Caz Holden

I am writing this letter to express my most sincere thanks for the most professional representation from Trina for my case and helping me in my time of need and being compassionate. I admire your composure, work ethic and your excellent representation for your company. I will not hesitate to use Stacks, Collins and Thompson in Hornsby for any future work needing to be addressed.

Kind Regards
Carol

LEADING CRIMINAL LAWYERS HORNSBY

Make an enquiry and one of our team will be in touch

MEET YOUR HORNSBY CRIMINAL LAWYERS AND LEGAL AID EXPERTS

“When your freedom and future livelihood are at stake, you need experienced advice on your side. Having supported our local community for decades, Stacks Collins Thompson are the leading criminal lawyers in Hornsby, as well as the organisers of the Legal Aid roster for Hornsby Local Court.”

Your local defenders

Legal Aid Hornsby

Reviews from our clients

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need a lawyer?

What is an “indictable offence”?

What is a “summary offence”?

Can anyone accused of committing a criminal offence be granted bail?

What is a “custodial sentence”?

What is an “Intensive Correction Order”?

What is a “Community Corrections Order”?

What is a “Conditional Release Order”?

Could I be sentenced to a good behaviour bond, Community Service Order, home detention, or a suspended sentence?

Can I avoid a criminal record?

Our experts

Why choose Stacks

What makes Stacks different and why you should choose us.

We're here to help

Complete the form to contact us today

Our Services

Our company

SUBSCRIBE TO WHICH CASE WON

Subscribe Now

WE’RE HERE TO HELP

Get help now

SHARE THIS

Contact Us