Fideslink Legal · Our expertise
Criminal law practice areas
Advice and representation for individuals and businesses facing criminal allegations and related proceedings. John Kahn brings experience across police prosecution, DPP prosecution and criminal defence to the assessment of each matter.
01
Police advice & bail applications
Early decisions can shape the course of a criminal matter. We assess the allegations, custody position and available material, and prepare a practical strategy for police dealings and bail.
- Police interviews, arrest and charge advice
- Search warrants and police powers
- Local Court and Supreme Court bail applications
- Bail variations and responses to detention applications
02
Assault, domestic violence & AVOs
Criminal charges and apprehended violence orders may run alongside one another. We consider the evidence and the implications of proposed orders, including their practical effect on family life and employment.
- Common assault, actual bodily harm, wounding and grievous bodily harm
- Domestic violence, stalking, intimidation and coercive control allegations
- Apprehended domestic and personal violence orders (ADVOs and APVOs)
- Property damage, affray, riot and public order offences
03
Drug offences
Drug proceedings can involve contested possession, supply, quantity and knowledge. Our work includes reviewing search evidence, communications, forensic material and the alleged role of each accused.
- Drug possession, supply and deemed supply
- Ongoing supply and commercial quantity allegations
- Manufacture and cultivation
- Commonwealth drug importation and related proceeds allegations
04
Illicit tobacco & vaping offences
Tobacco and vaping matters may engage different State and Commonwealth regimes. We identify the legislation relied on, the alleged conduct and the evidence linking a person or business to the goods.
- Illicit tobacco sale, supply and possession allegations
- Importation, excise and customs prosecutions
- Illegal vaping goods and nicotine product offences
- Retailer prosecutions, licensing issues and closure order proceedings
05
White collar crime & money laundering
Financial crime matters often turn on detailed records and inferences about knowledge or intent. We analyse the transaction history and prosecution case, separating documentary evidence from assumptions.
- Fraud, dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage and identity offences
- Money laundering and dealing with proceeds of crime
- Embezzlement, employee theft and business crime
- Corporate, director, tax and revenue prosecutions
- Cybercrime and alleged scams
06
Proceeds of crime & asset restraint
Asset restraint can affect property before a criminal matter is resolved. We examine the orders, ownership records and asserted connection to offending, and advise on the available response under the relevant statutory scheme.
- Confiscation and restraining order proceedings
- Forfeiture, asset recovery and exclusion applications
- Unexplained wealth and allegedly tainted property
- Crime Commission, State and Commonwealth proceeds matters
- Seized cash, vehicles, real property and third-party interests
07
Traffic offences & drink driving
A driving matter can put a licence, livelihood and criminal record at risk. We review the charge, driving history and available evidence before advising on a defended hearing, plea or licence application.
- Drink driving (PCA), drug driving and driving under the influence
- Driving while suspended, disqualified or cancelled
- Dangerous, negligent and reckless driving, including fatal collisions
- Police pursuits and failure to stop
- Licence and suspension appeals where available
- Applications to remove licence disqualifications where eligible
08
Serious & complex criminal matters
Serious allegations require careful preparation and a clear understanding of the prosecution case. We work through the brief, witness evidence and forensic issues to identify the matters that will determine the defence.
- Murder, manslaughter and other serious violence
- Sexual offences, child abuse material and intimate image offences
- Firearms, weapons and prohibited items
- Robbery, stealing, break and enter, and property offences
- Kidnapping, detention for advantage and threats
- Organised crime, criminal groups and Commonwealth offences
09
Sentencing & court applications
Preparation for sentence involves more than collecting references. We assess the facts to be accepted, the applicable sentencing options and the material needed to support a properly directed submission.
- Guilty pleas and sentencing in the Local and District Courts
- Section 10 and other non-conviction outcomes where available
- Mental health applications and diversion
- Annulment applications and related procedural advice
10
Hearings, trials & criminal appeals
We provide representation in defended matters and advice on conviction and sentence appeals. Appeal advice is grounded in the reasons, transcript and evidence, with attention to the correct procedure and filing deadline.
- Local Court defended hearings
- District Court and Supreme Court criminal proceedings
- Conviction, severity and all grounds appeals where available
- Court of Criminal Appeal advice and representation
- Review of reasons, transcripts, exhibits and appeal prospects
The appropriate court, available applications and deadlines depend on the charge and jurisdiction. These descriptions are a guide to our work, not advice about a particular case.