Criminal Law Specialists
Our team has expertise in all areas of criminal law, handling cases from affray, theft, fraud, and assault to more severe charges, including murder, traffic offences, drink driving, drug-related matters, and beyond.
24/7 Criminal Law Advice
We provide around-the-clock legal advice across Sydney. No matter the time, we’re here to advise you on your case, with your first consultation completely free of charge.
Top-Tier Team
Our criminal law team is led by a former police officer and senior police prosecutor, offering unmatched insights into court procedures and legal intricacies.
Extensive Experience
With years of courtroom experience, we handle most summary matters directly, often bypassing the costly necessity of engaging barristers, making our services efficient and effective.
Here to Help
Have you been charged with a criminal offence and are wondering what penalties you might be facing if convicted? The consequences can be serious and may include hefty fines, a criminal record, and potentially even prison time.
At Kells, our criminal defence team will provide you with clear, expert advice on the potential outcomes of your case. We’ll walk you through the legal process, explain the penalties you could face, and work with you to explore all possible avenues for minimising the consequences.
How Can Our Criminal Lawyers Help?
Being charged with a criminal offence can have serious, far-reaching consequences. The penalties you may face range from modest fines to significant prison time, depending on the nature, severity, and frequency of the offence. Understanding the full scope of potential penalties is important to protect your future.
Our experienced Sydney criminal defence lawyers at Kells will take the time to thoroughly assess your case and clearly explain the penalties you could be facing if convicted. We’ll break down the legal jargon and give you a straightforward understanding of what’s at stake. More importantly, we’ll provide you with strategic advice on how to manage these potential consequences and offer you the best chance to minimise the penalties.
Our team is committed to defending your rights and listening closely to your side of the story, so you know you’re heard. Whether you’re up against serious charges or are worried about the long-term effects of a conviction, we are here for you through every stage of the process.
There are two sides to every story. When you need someone to hear your side, and take it, choose Kells.
Get Expert Criminal Law Advice
If you would like to discuss your case with our criminal law team, please get in touch. We are available 24/7 to help you and offer a free initial consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
A fine is a monetary penalty. For many offences, fines are calculated based on “penalty units,” with each unit valued at $110. Fines may be the sole punishment or may accompany other penalties. Judges, unless directed by statute, have discretion over the amount, considering the offender’s financial means to ensure an appropriate amount is payable.
Once the accused is found guilty, the court has the discretion to impose a range of penalties, which can vary depending on the offence and jurisdiction. The sentence will be determined by the presiding Judge or Magistrate, who will consider factors such as the severity of the crime and the offender’s personal circumstances.
Having a lawyer who understands what the court will consider during sentencing is very important. It’s not just about providing character references — it’s about knowing relevant case law, sentencing trends, and how current social issues may influence the outcome. A skilled lawyer can help present a strong case for a more lenient sentence by addressing all key factors.
In September 2018, reforms were introduced to strengthen community-based sentencing, with the aim of reducing re-offending by holding offenders more accountable. The changes focused on providing courts with better information at the time of sentencing, including reports and submissions, to help tailor sentences with appropriate conditions and supervision.
Supervision of offenders who are at risk of re-offending has been shown to reduce crime by addressing the root causes of anti-social behaviour. As part of these reforms, suspended sentences were abolished, and there is now a presumption that domestic violence offenders will either receive a community-based sentence or be imprisoned, unless there are strong reasons not to. These changes aim to create a more effective system that focuses on rehabilitation and reduces future criminal behaviour.
A CRO, formerly known as Section 10 Dismissal, allows a court to dismiss charges without recording a conviction if a guilty plea is entered or guilt is established. It acts as a safeguard that prevents punishment for trivial offences or in extenuating circumstances. Courts consider factors like offence seriousness, community risk, and offender history before granting a CRO, which can include conditions such as abstinence from drugs, participation in programs, or non-association requirements. CROs may last up to two years, during which any breaches could result in more severe consequences.
A CCO suits offences warranting more than a fine but falling short of prison. Typically applied to mid-range crimes like property damage, moderate drink driving, or theft, it involves conditions like supervision, community service, or curfews based on offence nature and offender needs. CCOs, which last up to three years, provide structured support, with risk-assessment tools ensuring resources are directed where most effective, including engagement with family members for high-risk offenders.
An ICO is a custodial sentence of up to two years served in the community under Corrective Services NSW supervision rather than gaol. ICOs carry mandatory conditions, including good behaviour, approved residency, regular drug testing, community service (minimum 32 hours monthly), and participation in rehabilitative programs. Courts may add further requirements as deemed necessary. Before imposing an ICO, the court assesses all alternative penalties, only selecting an ICO if no other punishment suffices and the sentence is under two years. Breaches of ICO conditions lead to corrective action, ranging from warnings to more restrictive conditions, or even gaol time, as managed by the Parole Authority.
Area of Expertise
Affray
Assault
Bail
Criminal Penalties
Coronial Inquests
Driving Suspensions
Drink Driving
Drugs
Firearms
Mental Health
Domestic Violence
Traffic Offences
Drink & Drug Driving
Legal Aid
Speak to a Criminal Lawyer
We’ll stand by you and protect your rights every step of the way—no matter the charge.