Exercise your right to silence and contact a lawyer immediately. You are not obliged to answer police questions beyond providing your name and address. Anything you say can be used as evidence against you. Contact MGL Lawyers as soon as possible so we can advise on bail and begin preparing your defence from the earliest stage.

Yes. You may appeal a conviction if you believe the verdict was wrong in law or fact, or appeal a sentence if you believe it was excessive. Appeals from the Local Court go to the District Court, and from the District Court to the Court of Criminal Appeal. Strict time limits apply — contact MGL Lawyers promptly to confirm the deadline that applies to your matter.

Not necessarily. The outcome depends on the type and quantity of drug, whether it was for personal use or supply, and your criminal history. Courts have a range of sentencing options including fines, good behaviour bonds, and diversionary programs such as the Drug Court or MERIT Program. An experienced criminal lawyer can significantly influence the outcome, including pursuing a dismissal without conviction in appropriate cases.

An Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) is a court order restricting a person's behaviour toward another. Breaching an AVO is a serious criminal offence. An AVO is not itself a criminal conviction, but it can affect employment, security licences, firearms licences, and family law proceedings. Always seek legal advice before consenting to or contesting an AVO.

Penalties for drink driving in NSW depend on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and whether it is a first or repeat offence. They range from fines and licence disqualification for lower-range offences to heavier fines, longer disqualifications, and potential imprisonment for mid to high range offences. An interlock device may also be required. Legal representation can significantly affect the outcome — contact MGL Lawyers to discuss your options.

Assault charges in NSW range from common assault to more serious offences such as assault occasioning actual bodily harm or grievous bodily harm, each carrying different maximum penalties. The outcome depends on the severity of the offence, any injury caused, your criminal history, and the circumstances. Many matters can be resolved without a conviction. Contact MGL Lawyers immediately to understand the charges against you and your options.

A Section 10 dismissal under the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (NSW) allows a court to find a person guilty but dismiss the matter without recording a conviction, meaning you avoid a criminal record. Eligibility depends on your criminal history, the seriousness of the offence, your character, and personal circumstances. Contact MGL Lawyers to assess whether a Section 10 outcome may be available in your case.

A bail hearing determines whether you will be held in custody or released pending your court date. The court considers factors including the nature of the offence, your criminal history, flight risk, and risk to the community. Conditions such as reporting to police or surrendering a passport may be imposed. Legal representation at a bail hearing significantly improves your chances of being granted bail.

Under the Criminal Records Act 1991 (NSW), some convictions may become spent after a crime-free period, meaning they are no longer required to be disclosed in most circumstances. However, not all offences are eligible — serious offences, sexual offences, and those resulting in imprisonment generally cannot become spent. Contact MGL Lawyers to understand whether your conviction may qualify and what that means for you.

You have the right to silence and are not obliged to participate in a police interview. Politely decline to answer questions beyond your name and address, and ask to speak with a lawyer before proceeding. Do not agree to an interview — even informally — without first obtaining legal advice. Contact MGL Lawyers immediately for advice on your rights.

Time limits vary depending on the type of claim. Different deadlines apply to motor vehicle accidents, workers compensation, public liability, and medical negligence claims. Missing a deadline can extinguish your right to compensation entirely. Contact MGL Lawyers as early as possible after an injury so we can advise you on the exact timeframe that applies to your matter.

Depending on the type and severity of your injury, you may be entitled to claim medical expenses, lost income, future care costs, pain and suffering, and other out-of-pocket expenses. The amount varies significantly based on your circumstances. Contact MGL Lawyers to understand what you may be entitled to claim in your specific situation.

CTP (Compulsory Third Party) insurance covers people injured in motor vehicle accidents. It is compulsory for all registered vehicles in Australia. If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident — whether as a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or cyclist — you may be entitled to make a CTP claim for medical expenses, lost income, and potentially a lump sum payment. Contact MGL Lawyers to discuss your entitlements.

Workers Compensation is a no-fault insurance system that covers workers injured at work. It is compulsory for all employers in Australia. If you are injured at work — regardless of whether you were at fault — you may be entitled to make a workers compensation claim for medical expenses, lost income, and potentially a lump sum payment. Contact MGL Lawyers to discuss your entitlements.

Seek emergency help immediately if needed. Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible and seek medical treatment from a doctor who can provide a workers compensation certificate of capacity. Keep records of all medical treatment and expenses. Notify your employer in writing if possible. Early reporting protects your entitlements — contact MGL Lawyers promptly for advice on your rights and the claims process.

A rejected claim can usually be disputed. You can request an internal review by the insurer, and if unresolved, escalate the matter to the Personal Injury Commission in NSW for independent determination. Many initially rejected claims can be successfully overturned with proper legal representation. You may also have an entitlement to common law damages if employer negligence contributed to your injury. Contact MGL Lawyers promptly as dispute time limits apply.

Yes. If you were injured in a public place, a shop, or on any property due to the owner's or occupier's negligence, you may have a public liability claim. Common examples include slip and fall accidents and injuries caused by unsafe premises. Contact MGL Lawyers to assess whether you have a valid claim.

Yes. Psychological and psychiatric injuries are recognised as compensable in NSW across workers compensation, motor vehicle, and public liability claims. Psychological injury claims can be complex and often require specialist medical assessment. Contact MGL Lawyers for advice on how to properly support and pursue a psychological injury claim.

Most personal injury claims in NSW are resolved through negotiation and settlement, without the need for a court hearing. Settlement can occur at any stage, often through mediation. Court proceedings are typically a last resort when parties cannot reach agreement. MGL Lawyers will advise you whether court proceedings are necessary in your case.

Many personal injury matters in NSW are handled on a no win, no fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront legal costs. Legal fees vary depending on the type, complexity and duration of the claim and are typically deducted from any settlement or judgment in your favour. Having a lawyer significantly improves your chances of a successful outcome and maximises the compensation you receive. Contact MGL Lawyers to discuss how we can assist you.

Australia has a no-fault divorce system — you only need to show your marriage has irretrievably broken down by a period of separation. You apply through the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. Note that divorce is a separate process from property settlement and parenting arrangements. Time limits apply for seeking property orders after divorce. Contact us for advice on the specific timeframes that apply to your situation.

There is no automatic 50/50 split. Family law courts assess the total asset pool, each party's financial and non-financial contributions, and each party's future needs. Courts must also consider the economic effect of any family violence where relevant. Time limits apply for both married and de facto couples — contact MGL Lawyers to understand your entitlements and the deadlines that apply to you.

Both parents generally share parental responsibility, but this does not automatically mean equal time. The court's primary focus is always the best interests of the child. Before applying to court, you must attend family dispute resolution (mediation) unless family violence or urgency applies. Parenting arrangements can be formalised through a Parenting Plan or legally binding Consent Orders.

Generally yes, provided certain eligibility criteria are met — such as the length of the relationship, whether there are children, or whether significant contributions were made. De facto couples have the same rights to property settlement and maintenance under the Family Law Act 1975. Time limits do apply and differ from those for married couples — contact MGL Lawyers to confirm the deadlines relevant to your circumstances.

Child support is generally calculated by Services Australia using a formula that takes into account each parent's income, the amount of time each parent spends with the child, and the number of children. Parents can make a private arrangement or apply to Services Australia to administer payments. If you believe the standard assessment is unfair, you may apply for a change of assessment. Contact MGL Lawyers for advice on your child support entitlements.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, you can apply for an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) at your local court, or police can apply on your behalf. An ADVO restricts the behaviour of the person who has threatened or harmed you. Interim orders can be made the same day in urgent circumstances. Contact MGL Lawyers for confidential advice.

Spousal maintenance may be payable where one party cannot adequately support themselves and the other party has the capacity to pay. Factors considered include the standard of living during the relationship, each party's age, health, income, and the care of children. Strict time limits apply for making an application — contact MGL Lawyers to understand your entitlements.

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of property from one person to another. In NSW, it is advisable to use either a licensed conveyancer or a solicitor to complete a property transaction. A solicitor provides the added advantage of being able to advise on complex legal issues beyond the conveyance itself. For most people property is their largest asset — professional advice protects your investment.

Your conveyancer or property lawyer reviews and prepares the contract of sale, conducts title and property searches, advises on any issues discovered (such as easements, caveats, or zoning restrictions), liaises with your lender, prepares settlement documents, and attends to the electronic transfer of funds and title at settlement. They also ensure stamp duty obligations are met and that all conditions of the contract are satisfied before settlement proceeds.

In NSW, residential buyers have a cooling-off period after exchange of contracts during which you can withdraw, subject to a forfeiture of a small percentage of the purchase price. Cooling-off does not apply if the property was purchased at auction, or if you waive it with a Section 66W certificate. Always get legal advice before waiving your cooling-off rights — contact us to understand exactly how this applies to your purchase.

Yes. In NSW, eligible first home buyers may be exempt from stamp duty or receive a concession depending on the purchase price. To qualify, you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, be over 18, and have never previously owned property in Australia. Thresholds and eligibility criteria can change — contact MGL Lawyers or check with Revenue NSW for the current figures that apply to your purchase.

While not legally required, a building and pest inspection is strongly recommended before exchanging contracts. These inspections identify structural defects, termite damage, rising damp, and other issues that may not be visible during a standard property viewing. Discovering serious defects after exchange can leave you locked into a contract with limited options. We recommend commissioning these reports during your cooling-off period.

In NSW, the standard settlement period is typically agreed upon in the contract of sale and is negotiable between the parties. Settlement involves the simultaneous transfer of funds and legal title, which now occurs electronically via the PEXA platform. Your conveyancer will prepare settlement figures, coordinate with your lender, and ensure all documents are in order before settlement day. Contact MGL Lawyers for guidance on what to expect in your specific transaction.

When buying a strata property such as an apartment or townhouse, you own your individual lot and share ownership of common areas with other lot owners. Before purchasing, you should obtain a strata inspection report to check the financial health of the owners corporation, any outstanding levies, planned major works, by-laws, and whether the building has any known defects. Your conveyancer will review the strata documents and advise you on any concerns before you commit to the purchase.

Buying off-the-plan means purchasing a property before it is built, based on plans and specifications. Key risks include changes to the final product, developer insolvency, delays in construction, and the property's value at completion being lower than the contracted purchase price. It is essential to have a lawyer review the contract carefully before you sign, as off-the-plan contracts often contain terms that favour the developer. Contact MGL Lawyers for advice before committing.

A will ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes when you pass away. Without a valid will you die intestate and your estate is distributed according to the rules of intestacy under the Succession Act 2006 (NSW), which may not reflect your wishes at all. This can cause significant hardship and conflict, particularly for blended families or those with de facto partners.

Eligible persons — including spouses, de facto partners, children, and some dependants — can make a Family Provision Claim if they have not been adequately provided for. Strict time limits apply from the date of death, and acting early is essential as costs increase and evidence can be lost. Most contested will matters settle at mediation before reaching a court hearing. Contact MGL Lawyers promptly to discuss your eligibility and the deadlines in your situation.

Probate is a court order confirming the validity of a will and authorising the executor to deal with the deceased's estate. Not all estates require probate — it is generally required when the deceased owned real estate, or when a bank or financial institution requires it before releasing funds. The application is made to the NSW Supreme Court. MGL Lawyers can advise you on whether probate is required and manage the application process on your behalf.

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that authorises another person to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf. A General Power of Attorney no longer has effect if you lose mental capacity. An Enduring Power of Attorney remains valid even if you lose mental capacity, making it an essential part of estate planning. Without one, your family may need to apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) for a financial management order. MGL Lawyers can prepare a Power of Attorney tailored to your circumstances.

An Enduring Guardian is a person you appoint to make personal, health, and lifestyle decisions on your behalf if you lose the capacity to make them yourself. This includes decisions about medical treatment, where you live, and what services you receive. Without an Enduring Guardian appointment, these decisions may be made by a guardian appointed by NCAT. Together with a will and Power of Attorney, an Enduring Guardianship forms a complete estate plan. Contact MGL Lawyers to put these documents in place.

An executor is the person named in a will to carry out the deceased's wishes. Duties include applying for probate, notifying beneficiaries and creditors, collecting and valuing assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the estate in accordance with the will. Acting as an executor can be complex and time-consuming, and executors can be held personally liable for mistakes. MGL Lawyers can assist executors to fulfil their obligations and guide them through the estate administration process.

The time to administer an estate varies significantly depending on its complexity. Simple estates with few assets and no disputes can often be finalised within several months. More complex estates involving real estate, business interests, superannuation, or family provision claims can take considerably longer. Executors should be aware that beneficiaries cannot generally receive their entitlements until debts are paid and the estate is ready for distribution. Contact MGL Lawyers to understand the process and timeline for your specific estate.