Underlying problems like drug and alcohol addiction, as well as particular problems faced by Aboriginal offenders, mean that various alternative programs are now supplementing more traditional methods of sentencing in NSW Courts. These sentencing alternatives focus on community involvement, rehabilitation or even, in the case of forum sentencing, discussions between victim and offender as part… Read more »
Like father, like son is certainly not something that could be said about the Macris Family in relation to serious drug charges when they appeared in the Gosford District Court earlier this May. In 2011, the son, Alex Macris did something many people would find unimaginable – he used his own father as an unwitting… Read more »
Working out whether or not you need a lawyer is going to depend on a lot of factors, perhaps most importantly, what is at stake. If your case is very serious, generally the earlier you get some legal advice, the better. Drug offences range in severity, and can range from a good behaviour bond or… Read more »
The Drug Court in NSW is a state scheme under which drug dependent offenders can be referred to rehabilitation programs as a way to help reduce the likelihood of them reoffending, and allow them to address their dependency. The Drug Court is based in Parramatta, Toronto and Sydney, and takes referrals from a number of courts in… Read more »
The Magistrates Early Referral into Treatment program (MERIT) is a voluntary rehabilitation program that is available to offenders in most local courts, including North Sydney Local Court. For offenders who have a confirmed substance abuse problem, the MERIT program provides an opportunity to seek treatment and address their issues, and can also lead to a less severe sentence… Read more »