Practice Areas
Criminal Lawyers Sydney
Experienced Criminal & Traffic Defence Representation
Winn Legal Solicitor provides criminal and traffic defence representation across Sydney and New South Wales.
Areas of practice include;
- Defended hearings/trials
- Sentences
- Apprehended domestic and personal violence orders (ADVO and APVO)
- Drivers licence appeals
- Drink/Drug driving
- Bail applications
- Mental health applications
- Forensic procedure applications
- Sentence annulments/Appeals
- Traffic infringements
- Negligent/dangerous driving (including causing GBH or death)
- Assaults and offences against the person
- Possess and supply drugs
- Kidnapping/extortion
- Robbery
- Identity/money laundering offences
- Firearm/prohibited weapon offences
- Applications to revoke Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO)
- Larceny/shoplifting/fraud
- Break and Enter/trespass
- Damage to property
- Riot/affray
- Public mischief offences
PRACTICE AREAS
Defended Hearings & Criminal Trials
Winn Legal Solicitor provides comprehensive representation from the commencement of your matter through to finalisation in court.
Janet Winn, Principal and Director, is an experienced advocate who regularly appears in the Local Court in defended hearings and contested matters. She provides clear advice, careful preparation, and strong courtroom advocacy to present your case effectively.
For matters that proceed on indictment in the District or Supreme Court, Winn Legal Solicitor works with highly regarded and experienced barristers to ensure you receive the highest level of representation.
If you intend to plead not guilty, early legal advice is critical. Preparing a matter for hearing involves:
- Careful analysis of the prosecution evidence
- Identifying inconsistencies or weaknesses
- Obtaining supporting evidence where appropriate
- Developing a clear defence strategy
Sentencing & Guilty Pleas
If you intend to plead guilty, obtaining experienced representation is essential to achieving the best possible outcome.
At Winn Legal Solicitor, we prepare detailed sentencing submissions tailored to your circumstances and the nature of the offence.
Understanding Sentencing
Sentencing is not simply about punishment. The court must consider a range of factors, including:
- Punishment
- Deterrence (both personal and general)
- Rehabilitation
- Accountability
- Protection of the community
- Recognition of harm caused to victims
A carefully prepared case addresses each of these considerations and presents your personal circumstances in the strongest possible light.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Appearing in court without representation can be overwhelming. Effective advocacy requires not only preparation, but the ability to present submissions clearly, confidently, and persuasively.
A solicitor does more than explain the law — they:
- Speak on your behalf in court
- Present your case strategically
- Ensure all relevant evidence and submissions are properly before the court
Guilty Pleas & Early Advice
A plea of guilty involves accepting the charges and, in most cases, the facts alleged by police.
It is important to obtain legal advice as early as possible after being charged. If you attend court without advice, you can request a short adjournment to seek assistance.
In many cases, an early guilty plea may result in a sentencing discount (often up to 25%), provided the plea is entered at an early stage.
Disputed Facts
If you accept the legal elements of an offence but disagree with the police version of events, you may still plead guilty and challenge the facts.
In these circumstances:
- The matter may proceed to a disputed-facts hearing, where the court determines the correct version of events; or
- Negotiations may take place with police to amend the facts to better reflect your account, potentially avoiding the need for a hearing
How We Can Help
Winn Legal Solicitor provides:
- Strategic advice on whether to plead guilty or not guilty
- Preparation of sentencing material (character references, submissions, evidence)
- Court representation and advocacy
- Negotiation with police regarding facts and charges
- Guidance focused on achieving the most favourable outcome
PRACTICE AREAS
Apprehended Domestic and Personal Violence Orders - Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007
Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs)
Winn Legal Solicitor provides advice and representation for AVO matters across Sydney and New South Wales.
An Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) is a court order designed to protect a person in need of protection (PINOP) from violence, threats, harassment, or intimidation. It is legally enforceable and requires the defendant to comply with specified conditions, which may restrict contact, communication, or access to certain locations.
Police Applications for AVOs
NSW Police may apply for an AVO on behalf of a protected person in a range of circumstances, including where:
- A person has been charged with a domestic violence offence or an offence involving stalking or intimidation;
- Police suspect on reasonable grounds that such an offence has been committed, is being committed, or is likely to occur;
- Protection is required to prevent future harm, including where there is a risk of violence or escalation;
- The order is necessary to protect children, particularly in matters involving domestic or sexual violence.
In domestic violence situations, police are generally required to take proactive steps to ensure the safety of victims, including applying for an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) where appropriate.
Serious Consequences of AVO Proceedings
If you have been served with an AVO, or charged with a domestic violence or stalking-related offence, both police and the courts will treat the matter seriously.
While an AVO itself does not amount to a criminal conviction, a breach of an AVO is a criminal offence. Where a breach involves an act of violence, the court is required to consider a term of imprisonment.
Even without a criminal record, an AVO can have significant and lasting consequences, including:
- Restrictions on firearms licences
- Impact on employment and working-with-children clearances
- Limitations on contact with children or family members
- Effects on future personal and professional relationships
Obtaining early legal advice is essential to protect your position and pursue the best possible outcome.
Your Options
If you have been served with an AVO, you may:
- Consent to the order without admissions, while negotiating more appropriate or limited conditions; or
- Defend the application, requiring the matter to be heard and determined by the court.
Each option carries different legal and strategic considerations, and advice should be obtained before making a decision.
Applying for an AVO
You may also require protection yourself.
- In domestic violence matters, police will generally apply for an AVO on your behalf.
- In non-domestic situations (such as neighbour disputes or conflicts with acquaintances), you can apply for an Apprehended Personal Violence Order (APVO) through the Local Court.
Winn Legal Solicitor can assist with preparing and presenting your application and representing you throughout the court process.
How We Can Help
Winn Legal Solicitor provides practical and strategic advice in all AVO matters, including:
- Advising on whether to consent or defend an application
- Negotiating appropriate conditions
- Representing you in defended hearings
- Defending breach of AVO charges
- Assisting applicants seeking protection
PRACTICE AREAS
Drivers Licence Appeals
A driver’s licence is a valuable privilege worth protecting, and losing your licence can sometimes cause hardship which may exceed the wrong doing. If you have lost your licence you may have the right to appeal the decision at court. Equally if you are facing Police action that may result in the loss of your drivers licence you should seek legal advice to ensure the best possible outcome at court.
Call us 0411 174 575 for a no-cost case evaluation to discuss.
PRACTICE AREAS
Drink/Drug Driving Offences - Part 5.1 Road Transport Act 2013
Winn Legal Solicitor provides advice and representation for drink and drug driving offences matters across Sydney and New South Wales.
These offences can carry serious consequences, including substantial fines, potential terms of imprisonment, and the loss of your driver’s licence. They can also have significant personal and professional impacts. In matters of this nature, the court’s primary concern is the safety of the community.
While people sometimes make mistakes, a single lapse in judgment should not define your future. With the right legal guidance, it is possible to address the situation constructively and move forward.
Winn Legal Solicitor, provides clear advice and strong representation to help you navigate drink and drug driving matters and work towards the best possible outcome.
Contact us today on 0411 174 575 for a confidential, obligation-free case assessment.
PRACTICE AREAS
Bail Applications
Winn Legal Solicitor provides advice and representation for bail matters across Sydney and New South Wales.
Being granted bail means you can remain in the community while your case is ongoing. Bail decisions in New South Wales are made under strict legal principles, and preparing the right application can significantly affect the outcome.
We assist with:
- Urgent bail applications in the Local Court
- Bail reviews and variations
- Supreme Court bail applications (where required)
- Advising on bail conditions and compliance
- Preparing strong submissions addressing bail concerns
We work quickly to put forward the strongest possible case to support your release.
Call us now on 0411 174 575 for a cost-free case evaluation.
PRACTICE AREAS
Section 14 Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020 No 12
Winn Legal Solicitor provides advice and representation for applications under the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020 across Sydney and New South Wales.
In appropriate circumstances, a person who is charged with a criminal offence, who also has a mental health impairment &/or a cognitive impairment, may be diverted away from criminal punishment and instead dealt with under the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020 No 12, receiving treatment rather than criminal penalties.
Call us if you need help in the submission of a mental health application 0411 174 575.
PRACTICE AREAS
Forensic Procedure Applications - Crimes (Forensic Procedures) Act 2000
Have you been served with a request by the police to provide a sample of your DNA as an untested former offender (UFO)? Or, perhaps police consider you a suspect for a crime and want to obtain your DNA, fingerprints or a photograph of you so it can be used (for example) in a photo-board?
Winn Legal Solicitors can help you to ensure that your civil rights aren’t unduly impinged upon.
PRACTICE AREAS
Sentence Annulment - Crimes (Appeal and Review) Act 2001
Have you been sentenced in your absence at court and require an annulment? An appeal can be lodged to annul the sentence if you were (for example) hindered from attending court due to illness.
An application must be made within 2 years of the conviction, unless a special application is made to the Attorney General. It is important to consider that only one application for an annulment can be made unless the court grants leave for a second application.
