Legal News

Articles written by Joseph Burke about topical legal news

• Sexual AssaultJuly 23, 2024

  

  Sexual assault offences are offences that involve an application of force in sexual circumstances without consent. A number of different charges can be laid depending on the circumstances of the allegations made. In the least serious case one may be charged with sexual exposure if there is no allegation of assault. Where the allegations involve penetration, then the far more serious charge of rape applies.

  These sexual assault offence offences are treated very seriously in Victoria. Charges for sexual assault offences derive from the Crimes Act 1958.

  Here are some of the main sexual assault offences in Victoria

  Rape	This offence is incredibly serious and can involve substantial periods of incarceration for the most serious examples. It requires evidence of sexual penetration without consent. Defences apply where there is a dispute that the incident involving sexual penetration occurred, or where there is a dispute around whether the incident was consensual.
  Sexual Assault	Previously referred to as indecent assault, this charge is generally made in circumstances where it has been alleged there has been some degree of sexual touching without consent but where there have been no allegations of sexual penetration. It is much less serious than rape, and may not attract a term of imprisonment in all cases.
  Directed Sexual Activity	This offence is somewhat less serious than the others, but is quite psychological in nature. It involves performing a sexual act in circumstances where it is known that another person will be watching who will experiences fear or distress from seeing the activity.

  Sexual assault offences are treated very seriously in Victoria, and the penalties for these offences can include fines, Community Corrections Orders, and long terms of imprisonment. If you or someone you know is charged with a sexual assault related offence, they need legal advice immediately.

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• How do I find good bail application lawyers?July 3, 2024

  

  Lawyers who make bail applications prepare and argue for the release of remanded accused while they await the outcome of their criminal matter. Such submissions are usually made by bail application lawyers before their clients are sentenced, but applications for appeal bail are also made.

  Experience matters for bail application lawyers

  Bail applications are complex to prepare and advocate for. It requires a lawyer to do an analysis to examine the strength of the remand application made by police, and weigh a variety of factors to determine if there is a realistic prospect of bail. This requires many years of experience for a lawyer to do it well.

  Educational background

  If you’re engaging with a lawyer, you may find their educational background is important. Some bail application lawyers received their qualifications from prestigious institutions such as the University of Melbourne, whilst others have not.

  Manner and competence

  As is their manner, and your own assessment of their competence. They should be calm, unflappable, willing to answer questions, and to give you all the information necessary to allow you to understand what you can do to help maximise the chances of bail for your loved one.

  History of success

  It is important to ask your lawyer if they have been successful with their cases. A good bail application lawyer will be a lawyer that has an established track record of success in published court cases. Have they won in the Court of Appeal? Have they got records which demonstrate they have good results?

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