Last year, The Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2019 Safe Cities Index Ranked Sydney as the world’s 5th safest city. However, the same report revealed that suburbs like Sydenham reported 1,469 criminal incidents for a mere population of 1,145.
Though Sydney’s crime rate has drastically declined in the last 15 years, there are a few crimes that have witnessed a surge, particularly assaults and drug offenses.
In 2018/19, Sydney generated about $140 billion in revenue, presenting half a million job opportunities across all skill sets. Unfortunately, if you face criminal charges in Sydney, your aspirations for a prosperous future in this capital city can get ruined.
The good news is that the experienced sydney criminal lawyers sydney nsw lead various criminal cases, with excellent success rates. They legally represent you and manage the court procedures while adhering to the NSW state laws. Here are some of the charges you will require a criminal lawyer to ensure a fair acquittal.
Fraud Charges
A recent report suggests that The Hills and Sutherland Shire continue to have many fraud cases with repeat offenders.
Part 4AA of the Crimes Act 1900 covers such offences, and if found guilty, you might face a ten-year jail term. The skilled Sydney lawyers use excellent defences, like duress, to defend you against the fraud charges levelled by the prosecution.
Money Laundering Charges
In recent years, Australia has seen a rise in high-profile money laundering cases, with a Sydney-based lender admitting to the breaching of anti-money laundering laws this year.
Under NSW legislation, Sec 193B of the Crimes Act 1900 deals with such offences. And the AML/CTF Act 2006 under the Commonwealth legislation handles the proceeds of the crime. If found guilty, you can face a maximum prison term of 20 years and 15 years in the case of proceeds of crime.
The experienced lawyers try to prove that you didn’t know about the proceeds of crime, using it as one of the best possible arguments.
Armed Robbery Charges
Sydney has a low crime rate index of 32.6, involving armed robbery, in line with NSW trends.
However, Sec 97(2) of the Crimes Act 1900 criminalises armed robbery, with a maximum prison term of 25 years. The diligent fight such serious allegations. In the worst case, they get your sentence reduced to a bare minimum.
Sexual Assault Charges
Sexual assaults in NSW saw a 9.4% increase year-on-year to June 2020, with Blacktown and Sutherland reporting on average 50 additional incidents recently.
If found culpable, under the Sec 61l of the Crime Act 1900, you could face 14 years jail term to life imprisonment. Sydney lawyers evaluate your case for the other party’s consent factor and check for aggravated offence charges to prepare a robust case.
Affray Charges
The Sydney crime rate, involving public behaviour that can cause others to fear their safety, stands at 32.3%.
Sec 93C of Crimes Act of 1900 deals with these affray charges, and if convicted, you can be behind bars for up to 10 years. A smart lawyer will work on a strong defence based on the incident’s circumstances.
Drug Charges
Being the cocaine capital of Australia, Sydney has witnessed just over a 7.5% increase in drug possession and usage in the last three years.
In Harbour City, most of the drug cases come under the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985. If your charges get proved, you could face up to 2 years of imprisonment and be liable to pay 20 penalty units.
The adept criminal lawyers will assess the drug type and quantity in question and accordingly put forth a defence for a favourable decision.
As per a recent report, locations like Waverly, Mosman and the Inner West have become Sydney’s crime hotspots, recording more cases of assaults, robbery and fraud. Be it any criminal charge, it is best to engage an experienced legal team at the earliest, to register a confirmed win and lead a well-respected life in Harbour City.
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Stephanie Braga
Hi, I am Stephanie Braga. A professional blogger and content community manager on this platform. I love to write and post content on different niche. Contact me, if you need any help related to digital marketing or content marketing.
