Galbally Parker Criminal Lawyers

We are delighted to share feedback for Natasha Po**en, who recently handled a case for one of our clients.

Their original firm, which was recommended by Legal Aid, did not work out due to delays. They found Galbally Parker and scheduled an initial consultation with Natasha Po**en almost immediately.

The case concluded positively, and the client was grateful for the exceptional support of Natasha, and the firm as a whole.

The Victorian Government has introduced amendments to the Fi****ms Act 1996 and Control of Weapons Act 1990, giving Victoria Police more power to issue Firearm Prohibition Orders (FPOs) and officially categorising machetes as knives.

Read our full article to learn more about the implications of this new legislation.

Victoria Fi****ms and Control of Weapons (Machetes) Amendment Bill 2024 Read about the implications of Victoria's Fi****ms and Control of Weapons (Machetes) Amendment Bill updates in 2024.

In a recent interview with Law Institute Victoria, Galbally Parker’s own Ruth Parker sheds light on the growing disparity in digital evidence resources between prosecution and defence teams.

"You’ve got qualified Crown prosecutors with all the weight of the state and a whole tech department on one side of the bar table, while on the defence side of the table you’ve got individual practitioners, often legal aid funded, who don’t have any of those resources.”

Check out the full article to read more about how technology and AI are transforming the way criminal defence lawyers handle digital evidence.

Digital discovery | Law Institute Journal Criminal defence lawyers served with increasingly bloated digital evidence drops are using technology, including AI, to sift through the data deluge to help defend their clients.

Across our history of retaining good staff, Thomas was among the best. After eight and a half years working in our team, starting out as a paralegal and working his way up to Senior Associate, Thomas has left our office to join the Victoria Bar and start the next phase of his career as a Barrister.

It is always sad to see a member of our team depart, but we know that he will never be too far away and we wish him all the best with his endeavours into the world of full time advocacy. He will join Foley’s List at the conclusion of his course and will be available to accept briefs later this year.

Restraining orders in Victoria are governed under the Confiscation Act 1997 (Vic) (‘the Act’). In our latest blog, we will help you understand what these orders are, and the purposes for which they are made. We will also break down unexplained wealth restraining orders, as one of the most common types of restraining orders.

Unexplained Wealth Restraining Orders under the Confiscation Act 1997 (Vic) In this blog, we will help you understand what unexplained wealth restraining orders are and the purposes for which they are made.

If you have been summonsed to Court for the first time, you may be justifiably nervous and unsure about what to do when you go to court for the first time. As we are criminal lawyers, we go to court all the time and sometimes we forget that, for others, it is a completely new and different experience.

To provide you with some preliminary guidance, we've put together the top 8 tips for going to court for the first time.

Going to Court for the First Time Going to court for the first time? This guide offers practical tips on what to expect, so that you can prepare with confidence.

Sharing feedback for Natasha Po**en from a client that she recently helped with their legal matter.

This feedback is a testament to Natasha’s hard work and her exceptional ability to deliver results while maintaining a client-focused attitude. We are incredibly fortunate to have Natasha on our team, and her contributions continue to set a high standard for excellence.

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the complex and sensitive issues surrounding family violence. As the community strives towards greater gender equality and safety, one critical aspect of this effort involves providing effective support for individuals who perpetrate violence, particularly men, so that they are less of a risk of reoffending.

In Family Violence proceedings within the Magistrates’ Court, it is very common for respondents to be ordered to complete counselling, which are known as ‘Men's Behaviour Change Programs’.

Mandatory Men’s Behaviour Change Programs In Family Violence proceedings it is common for respondents to be ordered to complete a ‘men's behaviour change program'. Find out more.

Feedback like this reminds us why we do what we do. If you or someone you know is in need of dedicated and experienced legal representation, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here for you!

Our latest blog explores the rules around media reporting in court, the concept of 'open court,' and the limitations placed on journalists.

Read on to find out more about the delicate balance between public interest and privacy in the courtroom.

Crime in the Spotlight: Criminal Matters & the Media Criminal court cases consistently draw media attention. Find out the rules around journalists reporting on proceedings in our latest blog.

Every day, accused people stand trial in front of a jury of their peers, who are charged with delivering a verdict on their guilt. It is a nerve-wracking time for an accused person and, in all likelihood, they have never gone through the process before.

Our latest blog outlines 6 facts about going to trial that you probably don’t know.

https://galballyparker.com.au/the-reality-of-going-to-trial-6-facts-you-may-not-know/

We are delighted to share that Ruth Parker, Principal Lawyer and Director at Galbally Parker Lawyers, has been recognised by Doyle's Guide as a leading criminal defence lawyer in Victoria for 2024.

This prestigious accolade reflects Ruth's unwavering dedication, exceptional expertise, and commitment to justice. We are honoured to have such an esteemed professional leading our firm.

Please join us in congratulating Ruth on this well-deserved recognition.

https://doylesguide.com/leading-criminal-defence-lawyers-victoria-2024/

In Victoria, separate bail and sentencing regimes exist which apply specifically to children and young people.

Our latest article outlines the youth justice framework which applies to people under the age of 21 who are to be sentenced to serious offences that will attract a custodial sentence.

https://galballyparker.com.au/youth-crime-youth-justice-applications-for-sentencing/

We're thrilled to announce that Doyle’s Guide has once again recognised Galbally Parker as a leading criminal law firm in Melbourne!

This achievement is a testament to our dedicated team's hard work and commitment to providing top-notch legal services. Thank you to our incredible clients and partners for your continuous support and trust.

https://doylesguide.com/leading-criminal-defence-law-firms-victoria-2024/

In Victoria, if you have been convicted of an offence, you may be required to pay compensation to victims. Under the Sentencing Act, victims who have suffered injury due to the crime can seek compensation directly from the offender.

Learn more in our latest blog.

Sentencing Act Compensation Applications Under the Sentencing Act the offender may be liable for victim compensation if an injury was suffered as a result of the crime. Read more.

Our firm was very fortunate to have been one of the first clients of Hatchify when it launched as a sole trader platform over 12 months ago. Now we are proud to partner with Hatchify as it expands its business. It is a perfectly tailored marketing and social media solution, ideal for small firms and businesses. It is flexible, professional and affordable. We highly recommend to those looking to expand their social media and online presence!

We are thrilled to announce the launch of Hatchify ✨

Hatchify removes the barriers to top-tier digital marketing. We make effective marketing solutions accessible, supporting your growth and independence.

Check out our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3Wb3jYI

We are delighted to share the positive feedback from a recent client who worked with Thomas Bell.

Since joining Galbally Rolfe (now Galbally Parker) as a paralegal in 2016 while completing his law studies at Monash University, Thomas has demonstrated an unwavering work ethic and dedication to his clients. Thomas's efforts and exceptional skills were recognised in 2021 when he was voted a Rising Star in Criminal Law in Victoria by Doyle’s Guide.

Thomas continues to be an invaluable asset to our team and a passionate advocate for his clients.

Read more about Thomas here: https://galballyparker.com.au/thomas-bell/

The Bail Amendment Bill 2023 received royal assent on 24 October 2023, with the amendments taking effect from 25 March of this year.

The amendments introduced a plethora of changes to bail, including considerations for vulnerable community demographics, namely children and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Read more about the bail reforms in our latest blog.

Understanding the 2024 Bail Reforms Discover the key changes & implications of the 2024 bail reforms in this comprehensive guide written by our criminal defence lawyers.

At Galbally Parker, we're committed to providing top-notch legal defence and support during challenging times. We are sharing a testimonial from a client we recently helped.

See more reviews from our clients here: https://galballyparker.com.au/testimonials/

Self defence is a commonly used defence in Victoria for charges relating to assault, and in some cases, manslaughter, and murder. our latest blog looks at the law in this area, focusing on:

- When self-defence can be used

- Impact of intoxication on the assessment of self-defence

- Family violence and self-defence

- The onus of proof

https://galballyparker.com.au/examining-the-use-of-self-defence-for-assault-related-charges-in-victoria/

Curious about the different types of manslaughter charges in Victoria? Our latest blog breaks down everything you need to know:

- Voluntary manslaughter
- Involuntary manslaughter
- Single punch manslaughter (King hit manslaughter)
- Workplace manslaughter
- Su***de pacts

Understand the legal definitions, implications, and penalties for each type.

Understanding Different Manslaughter Charges in Victoria Explore the various manslaughter charges in Victoria, understanding their definitions, legal implications, and differences.

Listen to Ruth Parker, Principal Lawyer and Director of Galbally Parker Lawyers, talk on the 'Law in Context' podcast about the intriguing and complex case of Lawyer X.

Episode 7 - Lawyers - Law in Context Lawyers have a very particular role in the adversarial system, and a corresponding set of ethical requirements.

Our Guide to Surety will provide you with all the information you need in relation to acting as a bail guarantor, answering questions, such as:

- What is Surety?
- Who Can be a Surety?
- What is a Surety Required to Do?
- How Can I Lose my Surety?
- When is a Surety Released from their Obligations?

https://galballyparker.com.au/guide-to-surety-answering-common-questions-asked-when-applying-for-bail/

Recently, we have seen individual clients of our business being de-banked on the basis of criminal allegations. This can occur at any time after a person is charged with serious offending. It can happen suddenly and have significant ramifications for the individual, their family and their legitimate business.

Find out more about be-banking and what you can do about it in our latest blog.

De-Banking: Can my Bank Close my Account Due to Criminal Offending? Can I be “de-banked”? Our latest blog discusses whether your bank can refuse to service you due to criminal offending.

There are several rules and procedures that the police are required to follow when questioning a suspect. Part 2 of our guide to 'Navigating Police Questioning' provides an overview of your rights when under arrest and outlines the procedures Victoria police must follow during questioning.

- Interview Procedures
- Recording of the Interview
- Remaining in Custody for a Reasonable Time
- Police Powers Regarding Fingerprints

Know Your Rights: Navigating Police Questioning (Part 2) Read our latest blog for crucial tips and strategies to protect yourself and ensure fair treatment in encounters with law enforcement.

Being approached by the police can be extremely intimidating, especially if you’re unaware of your legal rights when being approached, questioned, detained, and arrested by the police.

Part 1 of our guide to navigating police interviews answers the following questions:

- Am I Required to Give the Police my Details?
- Can I be Arrested Without a Warrant?
- I Haven’t Been Arrested – Can the Police Detain Me?

Know Your Rights: Navigating Police Questioning (Part 1) Learn your legal rights when approached by the police. This guide prepares you for questioning, detention, and arrest. Contact us for advice.

We're thrilled to share this testimonial from one of our valued clients. Their experience speaks volumes about the quality and effectiveness of our team.

At Galbally Parker, we are grateful that clients put their trust in us, and we're committed to exceeding their expectations.

We. Are. Different.

Sharing positive feedback from one of our clients who recently worked with Thomas Bell and Natasha Po**en to resolve their matter.

See more testimonials from our clients here: https://galballyparker.com.au/testimonials/

The Coroner’s Court plays a pivotal role in the Victorian justice system. Coroners are judicial officers who are responsible for the independent investigation of all reportable deaths and fires. Each year, Victoria’s coroners independently investigate roughly 6,500 deaths and fires.

Find out more about Coroner's Investigations and Coronial Inquests in our latest blog.

Understanding Coroner's Investigations & Coronial Inquests Gain insights into the processes, purposes, and significance behind coroner's investigations in our latest blog.

Are you or someone you know facing drug charges? Don't navigate the legal complexities alone.

Our latest article delves into the intricacies of effective defence strategies for drug charges to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome.

Effective Defence Strategies for Drug Charges Learn valuable legal insights & strategies to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome for drug charges.