What are your rights when pulled over by police?
A couple of weeks ago, here in the Northern Rivers, police set up a roadside blitz, covering every on/off ramp on the highway heading north from Ballina, Byron, Mullumbimby, through to Tweed Heads (plus the usual testing in places such as Lismore and Lennox Head). It’s reported that during the blitz, more than 100 drivers […]
Speeding in School Zones
It’s so easy to get caught out doing the wrong thing as a driver in a school zone, and it is one of the most common traffic offences, particularly here in the Northern Rivers. Why? Well, for a couple of reasons. Firstly, in the little villages in and around the hinterland, there are small country […]
Mobile phones and driving – know the rules
Most of us know by now that touching or holding a mobile phone while driving in Australia is strictly prohibited. Your mobile phone must be connected to your car via Bluetooth or in an approved, securely mounted cradle so it’s hands-free. For L-Platers and P-Platers, phones are not to be used at all while driving. […]
The rise of solo legal practitioners … and what that means for clients.
The 5th annual National Profile of Solicitors report has recently been released and it shows an interesting trend in the legal profession: Solo practitioners are on the rise. According to the report, out of the 16,393 private law practices registered across Australia, sole practitioners make up 82 per cent. One of the key drivers behind […]
No double-demerits for the long weekend
For the first time since they were introduced in 1997 double-demerits will not be enforced over the October 4 long weekend this year. While driving around the state is still largely prohibited for many people, the rationale from NSW Police is that people have had enough of strict rules and harsh penalties and there will […]
Cyclists and the law – do you really know the road rules?
As lockdowns continue across New South Wales, many people are dusting off their bicycles to exercise. Certainly, here in the Northern Rivers, particularly around Brunswick Heads, Byron Bay, Lennox and Ballina, cycling is a really popular way to get around. However, cyclists, like motorists, have responsibilities when using the road and there’s harsh penalties for […]
How to Appeal a Driver’s Licence Suspension
Losing your driver’s licence is a terrible place to be but all the more so in places with limited public transport, such as our regional area. Or when you need your licence for your job or to get to vital medical appointments. Local Court Lawyers regularly lodge appeals against licence suspensions for our clients from […]
Tweed Heads Drink Driving Charges
Tweed Heads – Border Town Dilemma Drink Driving Charges Tweed Heads is a picturesque border town that not only struggles with the biannual daylight savings shifts in time but residents and holidays goers are often in the dilemma of considerably different drink driving charges and convictions between NSW and Queensland. In New South Wales, it’s […]
Part 4 – NSW Road Safety Plan 2021 – Towards Zero
Lofty Ideals, Policy Potholes & Local Licences “Tough on crime”, “the War on Drugs”, and now….. “Towards Zero”: the latest rhetoric to metamorphosis into policy. So commendable is this policy principle, we invite you with us, to look behind the rhetoric, examine the details, and the impact these will have on day-to-day lives of drivers, […]
Part 3 – NSW Road Safety Plan 2021 – Towards Zero
Lofty Ideals, Policy Potholes & Local Licences “Tough on crime”, “the War on Drugs”, and now….. “Towards Zero”: the latest rhetoric to metamorphosis into policy. So commendable is this policy principle, we invite you with us, to look behind the rhetoric, examine the details, and the impact these will have on day-to-day lives of drivers. […]
The top 5 categories of offences in the NSW local courts, in 2017
If you have a court attendance notice for the local courts of NSW, here are some 2017 statistics that hopefully leave you feeling less-alone. I’ve selected these 5 groups of offences because together they comprise the bulk of the work of the NSW local courts. In 2017, there were 16,418 people who faced a local […]
5 Things To Do if you’ve been charged with drink or drug driving offence
1. Don’t leave it too late to decide if you want the services of a lawyer A good result, in ANY court matter, is all about the preparation – and the more time you have, the better prepared you will be. For example, you will need great references that support your submissions; and to […]
Splendour In The Grass Legal Hotline
THE LOCAL COURT LAWYERS have a SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS legal hotline: 0413 310 008 If you’re charged with an offence at Splendour In The Grass, you’ll likely be appearing in the Byron Bay Local Court on August 21 or 22. THE LOCAL COURT LAWYERS – we are experts in all local court matters, because […]
Transport options on the Far North Coast
Cosies, – check. SUNSCREEN, – check. Hat, towel, water bottle, – check. You’ve got some loose plans for Club counter-meals, a good feed of fresh-caught local seafood, and your favourite bevvy is in-stock at the local bottle shop… you’re all good. So, what’s missing? HOW TO GET AROUND, HASSLE FREE… UBER: yes, we’ve finally got […]
Schoolies Legal Hotline
THE LOCAL COURT LAWYERS have a SCHOOLIES legal hotline: 0413 310 008 If you’re charged with an offence at Schoolies, you’ll likely be appearing in the Tweed Heads or Byron Bay Local Court. If you’re not from here, you’ll need to plan to return to Tweed or Byron for your court date. 24/7 Schoolies Tweed/Byron […]
6 Tips on: How To Find a Good Lawyer
1: A “good lawyer” is a lawyer experienced in providing legal advice in the area of law you require, who also has a good reputation. For example, you consult a lawyer, with a good reputation and experience in family law, if you are going through a divorce. Your search should include terms like: “family lawyer […]
Disqualified from Driving?
Good news for some disqualified drivers: Changes to the law came into effect on October 28, which mean some disqualified drivers will be able to have their licenses returned to them, if they successfully apply to the local court. The changes apply to: disqualified drivers who have not had any traffic offences for two years, […]
5 Tips so Splendour In The Grass isn’t a pain in the A–!
If you’re going to Splendour In The Grass at Byron Bay this July, here are some tips from the Local Court Lawyers to ensure you have the best festival ever (with no regrets): 1. Bring your GOOD VIBES: leave your bad vibes with your ex-. An alcohol and drug induced bad attitude wrecks SPLENDOUR for […]
Byron Bay local court lawyer?
Facing an appearance in the Byron Bay Local Court? If the bright lights you saw at SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS turned out to be red and blue…….. you may need a Byron lawyer to represent you in the Byron Bay local court. The police presence at Splendour in the Grass is renowned – particularly for drug, […]
Need a lawyer after the Byron Bluesfest?
Post-bluesfest blues, from the men and women in blue: Byron Bay BLUESFEST – It was fun until that happened……. If your holiday on the NSW north coast resulted in you spending a few quality minutes with the Police, and instead of a chocolate bunny for Easter, you got a court attendance notice, for Byron Local […]
