Criminal and Traffic Offences | By Lawyers
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Criminal and Traffic Offences

NSW

This publication guides practitioners through criminal and traffic offences in the Local Court of New South Wales, apprehended violence orders and Commonwealth offences.

5 Matter Plans

Overview

The Criminal and Traffic Offences commentaries cover all aspects of criminal matters, with an emphasis on criminal procedure and sentencing for summary and indictable offences in the Local Court of NSW. They cover the key stages from charging, to bail, a defended hearing or a plea of guilty, and sentencing. Practical guidance in preparing for court is included, with detailed commentary on analysing the charge and considering evidence.

The Apprehended Violence Order guide covers applying for an order, negotiating, varying and opposing an order and appeals.

The supplementary Commonwealth offences guide assists practitioners in advising and representing clients charged with offences under the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth) and the Commonwealth Criminal Code. The commentary sets out the procedure for summary and indictable Commonwealth offences from bail considerations to sentencing. The possible sentencing options are covered in detail, and there is a very useful table of the Commonwealth offences most frequently encountered.

The Reference materials folder includes guidance on electronic signing and remote witnessing, and the Getting the matter underway folder contains essential compliance and client engagement documents. The comprehensive Retainer Instructions ensure that all necessary information is gathered from the client at the outset of the matter.

Also included is 101 Subpoena Answers, which is a useful reference guide.

Precedents in this publication include:

  • Library of initial letters to clients, covering a variety of offences and possible outcomes;
  • Letters to:
    • clients;
    • police;
    • the Crown;
    • third parties, including witnesses and experts;
  • Information sheets for clients explaining the court processes and what to do on the day of the hearing;
  • Attendance notes for every stage.
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5 Matter Plans Included

  • Item icon ALERT - A new Practice Note – Bail Proceedings introduced a single, unified procedure for all first-instance bail applications in the Bail Division of the Local Court of NSW from 22 November 2025. See Bail, below.
    A new Practice Note – Bail Proceedings introduced a single, unified procedure for all first-instance bail applications in the Bail Division of the Local Court of NSW from 22 November 2025. See Bail, below.

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  • Item icon Full Commentary - Local Court Criminal (NSW)
  • Folder icon Reference materials
    • Item icon AI Prompts
      An AI prompt defines a specific task for AI to perform, like drafting a particular document, and provides clear instructions on how to execute that task. The goal is for the AI to quickly create a useful first draft of a document, which the user verifies and refines into a final version, ultimately ...

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    • Item icon Looking to the Future
    • Item icon Electronic Signing and Witnessing
    • Item icon 101 Subpoena Answers
    • Item icon 101 Costs Answers
    • Folder icon Papers and articles - Litigation
      • Item icon Improving written submissions - A paper by Judge Alan Troy
      • Item icon Plain language – A paper by the Hon. Michael Kirby AC CMG
    • Item icon Calculating Penalty Units - All States and Territories
  • Item icon Overview and penalty units
    All criminal charges, regardless of their seriousness, commence in the Local Court. The Criminal Procedure Act 1986 provides the framework for the way in which criminal matters are dealt with, including the commencement of proceedings. When proceedings commence it is particularly important that ...

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  • Folder icon A. Getting the matter underway
    • Item icon File cover sheet - Criminal
    • Item icon To do list - Criminal
    • Item icon First steps
    • Item icon Client details and verifying identity
    • Item icon Retainer instructions - Criminal
    • Item icon Conflict of interest check
    • Item icon Attendance note - Conflict of interest check - No conflict
    • Item icon Attendance note - Conflict of interest check - Conflict identified
    • Folder icon Library of initial letters to client
      • Folder icon Alcohol and driving offences
        • Item icon Initial letter to client - Drive whilst disqualified - First offence
        • Item icon Initial letter to client - Drive whilst disqualified - Second offence
        • Item icon Initial letter to client - Drive whilst suspended - First offence
        • Item icon Initial letter to client - Drive whilst suspended - Second offence
        • Item icon Initial letter to client - High range prescribed concentration of alcohol - First offence
        • Item icon Initial letter to client - High range prescribed concentration of alcohol - Second offence
        • Item icon Initial letter to client - Low range prescribed concentration of alcohol with section 10
        • Item icon Initial letter to client - Low range prescribed concentration of alcohol without section 10
        • Item icon Initial letter to client - Low range prescribed concentration of alcohol - Second offence
        • Item icon Initial letter to client - Middle range prescribed concentration of alcohol - First offence
        • Item icon Initial letter to client - Middle range prescribed concentration of alcohol - Second offence
        • Item icon Initial letter to client - Novice and special range prescribed concentration of alcohol - First offence
        • Item icon Initial letter to client - Novice or special range prescribed concentration of alcohol - Second offence
        • Item icon Initial letter to client - Alcohol and drug driving middle range - First offence
        • Item icon Initial letter to client - Alcohol and drug driving middle range - Second offence
        • Item icon Initial letter to client - Alcohol and drug driving high range - First offence
        • Item icon Initial letter to client - Alcohol and drug driving high range - Second offence
        • Item icon Initial letter to client - Second offence of combined alcohol and drug offence
        • Item icon Section 10 paragraph
      • Folder icon Assault
        • Item icon Initial letter to client - Assault
        • Item icon Initial letter to client - Assault occasioning actual bodily harm
        • Item icon Initial letter to client - Assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company
        • Item icon Initial letter to client - Malicious wounding or infliction of grievous bodily harm
        • Item icon Initial letter to client - Malicious wounding or infliction of grievous bodily harm in company
      • Folder icon Offences against police
        • Item icon Initial letter to client - Assault police actual bodily harm
        • Item icon Initial letter to client - Assault police no actual bodily harm
        • Item icon Initial letter to client - Resisting police
      • Folder icon Other offences
        • Item icon Initial letter to client - Offensive conduct
        • Item icon Initial letter to client - Offensive language
      • Folder icon Prohibited drug offences
        • Item icon Initial letter to client - Possession of cannabis
        • Item icon Initial letter to client - Possession of cocaine
        • Item icon Initial letter to client - Possession of ecstasy MDMA
        • Item icon Initial letter to client - Possession of heroin
        • Item icon Initial letter to client - Possession of speed MDA
    • Item icon Letter to client enclosing costs agreement - Criminal
    • Item icon Costs agreement - NSW
    • Item icon Standard costs disclosure form for clients - Fees under $3000
    • Item icon Time and costs estimates
    • Folder icon If required - Updating costs disclosure
      • Item icon Letter to client updating costs disclosure
      • Item icon Charge securing costs
      • Item icon Guarantee securing costs
      • Folder icon Costs disclosure before settlement in litigation matters
        • Item icon Letter to client - Costs disclosure before settlement - NSW, VIC, and WA
        • Item icon Letter to client - Costs disclosure before settlement - QLD, SA, TAS, ACT, and NT
    • Item icon Police station instructions and advice record
    • Item icon Attendance note - Attending client at police station
    • Item icon Letter to client on bail following attendance at police station
    • Item icon Letter to client refused bail following attendance at police station
    • Item icon First contact – In the office
      Instructions Initial instructions, whether taken at the police station, at court, or in the office, should focus on the basic information required to understand the charges and the client’s situation. The detail can and should come later. The seriousness of the charges, the client’s previous ...

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    • Item icon Enclosure - Court reference information sheet
    • Item icon Table of Common Charge Options for State Offences – The Public Defenders
    • Folder icon General deeds, agreements, execution clauses, and statutory declarations
      • Item icon Deeds and Agreements
      • Folder icon Deeds
        • Item icon Deed for general use
        • Item icon Deed of guarantee
        • Item icon Deed of release
        • Item icon Confidentiality deed
        • Item icon General deed of indemnity
        • Item icon Deed of assignment of agreement
        • Item icon Deed of gift
        • Folder icon Library of standard clauses for deeds
          • Item icon Amendment
          • Item icon Confidentiality for defined information - All parties
          • Item icon Confidentiality for defined information - One party
          • Item icon Confidentiality for terms of deed - All parties
          • Item icon Confidentiality for terms of deed - One party
          • Item icon Costs
          • Item icon Counterparts
          • Item icon Dispute resolution
          • Item icon Events beyond control
          • Item icon Governing law and jurisdiction
          • Item icon Interpretation
          • Item icon No assignment
          • Item icon Notices
          • Item icon Severance
          • Item icon Waiver
          • Item icon Whole agreement
      • Folder icon Agreements
        • Item icon Agreement for general use
        • Item icon Heads of agreement
        • Item icon Non-disclosure agreement - Formal
        • Item icon Non-disclosure agreement - Informal
        • Folder icon Library of standard clauses for agreements
          • Item icon Amendment
          • Item icon Confidentiality for defined information - All parties
          • Item icon Confidentiality for defined information - One party
          • Item icon Confidentiality for terms of agreement - All parties
          • Item icon Confidentiality for terms of agreement - One party
          • Item icon Costs
          • Item icon Counterparts
          • Item icon Dispute resolution
          • Item icon Events beyond control
          • Item icon Governing law and jurisdiction
          • Item icon Interpretation
          • Item icon No assignment
          • Item icon Notices
          • Item icon Severance
          • Item icon Waiver
          • Item icon Whole agreement
      • Folder icon Execution clauses
        • Folder icon Library of execution clauses for agreements
          • Item icon Attorney
          • Item icon Authorised officer
          • Item icon Company
          • Item icon Company - Sole director
          • Item icon Individual
          • Item icon Individual - No witness
        • Folder icon Library of execution clauses for deeds
          • Item icon Attorney
          • Item icon Authorised officer
          • Item icon Company
          • Item icon Company - Sole director
          • Item icon Individual
      • Folder icon Statutory declarations
        • Item icon Commonwealth statutory declaration
        • Item icon Statutory declaration - blank - ACT
        • Item icon Statutory declaration - blank - NSW
        • Item icon Statutory declaration - blank - VIC
        • Item icon Statutory declaration - blank - QLD
        • Item icon Statutory declaration - blank - TAS
        • Item icon Statutory declaration - blank - SA
        • Item icon Statutory declaration - blank - WA
        • Item icon Statutory declaration - blank - NT
        • Item icon Standard annexure note for documents
  • Folder icon B. Bail
    • Item icon Retainer instructions - Bail application
    • Item icon Client details and verifying identity
    • Item icon Letter to counsel with brief for bail application
    • Item icon Letter to bail guarantor
    • Item icon Letter to client in prison regarding date for bail application
    • Item icon Prompt for submissions in support of a bail application
    • Item icon Letter to court enclosing bail application
    • Item icon Letter to prosecution enclosing bail application
    • Folder icon Bail forms
      • Item icon Acceptable person application - bail security agreement
      • Item icon Acceptable person application - character acknowledgement
      • Item icon Application for review of bail conditions by Justice - section 52
      • Item icon Application for variation of bail conditions
      • Item icon Application to set aside forfeiture order
      • Item icon Objection to forfeiture order
      • Item icon Release application/grant of bail
      • Item icon Annexure A to Bail Mortgage
      • Item icon National land registry forms page - Australian Registrars National Electronic Conveyancing Council
      • Item icon National mortgage form - Australian Registrars National Electronic Conveyancing Council
      • Item icon User guide - Australian Registrars National Electronic Conveyancing Council
    • Item icon Letter to client after successful bail application
    • Item icon Letter to client in prison after unsuccessful bail application
  • Folder icon C. Preparations
    • Item icon Attendance note - Taking full instructions
    • Item icon Proof of evidence
    • Item icon Attendance note - Preparation of proof
    • Item icon Letter to client sending proof of evidence
    • Item icon Attendance note - Considering amended proof of evidence
    • Item icon Letter to client requesting evidence
    • Item icon Letter to potential alibi witness
    • Item icon Letter to potential witness
    • Item icon Attendance note - Conference with defence witness
    • Item icon Letter to Police Local Area Command making representations in a summary matter
    • Item icon Letter to DPP making representations in an indictable matter
    • Folder icon If required - The representations fail
    • Item icon Letter to court requesting interpreter
    • Item icon Written instructions to plead guilty
  • Folder icon D. Going to court
    • Item icon Attendance note - Brief to counsel
    • Item icon Brief to counsel - Criminal
    • Item icon Example content - Brief to counsel - Criminal
    • Item icon Prompt for brief to counsel in a criminal matter
    • Item icon Letter to counsel enclosing brief
    • Item icon Attendance note - Advice on plea
    • Item icon Court attendance sheet
    • Item icon Attendance note - Court appearance
    • Item icon Letter to client advising court date
    • Item icon Attendance note - Reviewing additional prosecution material
    • Item icon Letter to client enclosing prosecution evidence and make appointment for instructions
    • Item icon Letter to client informing of hearing date
    • Item icon Attendance note - Preparation of witness statement
    • Item icon Letter to witness enclosing statement
    • Item icon Letter to counsel enclosing defence witness statements
    • Item icon Letter to witness with arrangements for attendance at hearing
    • Item icon Attendance note - Considering client's previous convictions
    • Item icon Attendance note - Considering custody record
    • Item icon Attendance note - Considering prosecution evidence
    • Item icon Attendance note - Viewing CCTV footage with client
    • Item icon Attendance note - Viewing CCTV footage without client
    • Item icon Attendance note - Viewing client's police interview
    • Item icon Letter to police requesting items not served
    • Item icon Letter to client who failed to attend court - Matter adjourned
    • Item icon Letter to client who failed to attend court - Warrant issued
    • Item icon Written instructions to plead guilty
  • Folder icon E. Summary matters - Mental health orders
    • Item icon Authority for medical records - General
    • Item icon Letter to client's treating psychiatrist or psychologist - Mental health order
    • Item icon Letter to medico-legal psychiatrist or psychologist - Mental health order
    • Item icon Enclosure - Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020 - Provisions for report writer
  • Folder icon F. Summary matters - Pleas of guilty
    • Item icon Plea and mitigation instruction sheet
    • Item icon Instructions to plead guilty
    • Item icon Letter to client advising on steps to be taken in preparation for a plea of guilty
    • Item icon Authority for medical records - General
    • Item icon Letter to client's treating psychiatrist or psychologist - Sentencing
    • Item icon Prompt for Letter to medico-legal expert requesting report for sentencing
    • Item icon Enclosure - Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020 - Provisions for report writer
    • Item icon Enclosure - Court reference information sheet
    • Item icon Court attendance sheet
    • Item icon Letter to client - Sentence adjourned
  • Folder icon G. Summary matters - Pleas of not guilty
    • Item icon Court attendance sheet
    • Item icon Notice of appearance in summary criminal trials
    • Item icon Listing advice
    • Item icon Notice of readiness for the defence
    • Item icon Subpoena for production
    • Item icon Subpoena to give evidence
    • Item icon Letter to witness serving subpoena to give evidence
    • Item icon Police subpoena schedule
    • Item icon Letter to Director General Attorney-General Department as to costs
    • Item icon Commencing the hearing
      It is always a good idea to speak to the prosecutor before the hearing. Phone them from about 8.30 am or see them just before court. Find out if all of their witnesses are available and if they are ready to proceed. There may be some last-minute charge negotiation possible. Try to agree on as much ...

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    • Item icon No case to answer
      A submission may be made by the defence at the close of the prosecution evidence that the defendant has no case to answer and the charges should be dismissed because the prosecution has insufficient evidence to prove them to the required standard. Whether a no case submission succeeds or fails is a ...

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    • Item icon The defence case
      After the close of the Crown case and any no case to answer submissions, the accused can then call evidence. If it is proposed to call the accused, the accused should be called first. Great difficulties can ensue if the accused is called out of order. For example, there could be a submission by the ...

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    • Item icon Attendance note - Preparation for hearing
    • Item icon Attendance note - Additional preparation for hearing
    • Item icon Attendance note - Preparation for adjourned hearing
    • Item icon Letter to client found guilty - Adjourned for sentence
    • Item icon Prompt for Letter to medico-legal expert requesting report for sentencing
  • Folder icon H. Indictable matters - Pleas of guilty and not guilty
    • Item icon Court attendance sheet
    • Item icon Letter to client as to outcome of representations
    • Item icon Letter to client requesting conference after receiving brief
    • Item icon Discounts for early pleas of guilty to indictable offences
      Division 1A of Part 3 Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 provides for a system of mandatory discounts for guilty pleas to indictable offences. The applicable discount depends on the timing of the plea and the history of the matter, for example, whether the offender has offered a ...

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    • Item icon Letter to client after charge certificate
    • Item icon Letter to client after case conference
    • Item icon Application to waive committal hearing - Section 68 Criminal Procedure Act 1986
  • Folder icon I. Sentencing options
    • Item icon Submissions for section 10
    • Item icon Prompt for Section 10 application
    • Item icon Prompt for Section 9 application
  • Folder icon J. Appeals
    • Item icon Court attendance sheet
    • Item icon Application for leave to appeal
    • Item icon Notice of appeal to the district court
    • Item icon Annulment application
  • Folder icon K. Finalising the matter
    • Item icon Letter to client after sentence - Select outcome
    • Item icon Letter to client after sentence - Insert outcome
    • Item icon Application for time to pay court fines
    • Item icon Letter to client found not guilty
    • Item icon Letter to client - No charges following attendance at police station
    • Item icon Letter to police after no charges for the return of client's property
    • Item icon Letter to police after client found not guilty for return of client's property
    • Item icon Enclosure - Information sheet on criminal records of employees
    • Item icon Example invoice incorporating notification of client's rights - NSW
    • Item icon Invoice recital - Criminal
    • Item icon File closing checklist
  • Item icon Comments and suggestions for By Lawyers

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