OCTOBER 2025

Action: Bail Applications, Show Cause for serious offence
Charge: 1x Rape and related offences
Result: Bail Application Successful.

37 year old father of 1 was accused of rape and other serious offences from a former partner. Due to the nature of the charges, police refused his bail and he was in a show cause position. The client is intending to contest the charges, so he could have been held in custody for the time it would take for the matter to get to trial. 

A significant amount of time was put into presenting submissions to the court to show why keeping the client in custody could not be justified, and showing how strict conditions can mitigate the risks presented by police. The application was successful.

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Action: Sentence, Drug Diversion Deferral
Charge: 1x Possess Dangerous Drugs
Result: 3 month Good Behaviour Bond, Drug Diversion.

40 year old man with a limited criminal history came to Valeston Lawyers with the intention to plead guilty to a simple drug possession charge. After consultation with us, we determined that he would eligible for a referral to the Drug & Alcohol Referral program. The referral was accepted by the Magistrate and the client was given a 3 month bond to cover the time it would take to complete the program.

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Action: Sentence, Plea of Guilty
Charge: 1x Contravene Domestic Violence Order and 1x Common Assault
Result: Probation for 2 years, Conviction not recorded.

23 year old first time offender was charged with two separate offences. One charge involving damaging property of a family member and another a drunken incident at a pub. Client admitted to both offences and plead guilty early to his advantage. Valeston Lawyers conferenced with the client and presented sentence submissions to the court.

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Action: Sentence, Legal Aid.
Charge: 33 charges, varied and predominately drug related offending.
Result: 24 months imprisonment, early parole eligible December 2025.

36 year old man with a significant drug and property offending history was in custody for 155 days (5 months) when Valeston Lawyers was asked to assist with his complex sentence. Originally asked to manage 5 charges, we provided additional assistance to draft submissions for the entire case.

Our assistance ensured the client received appropriate advice to proceed on the bulk of the charges.

Prosecution sought 36 months imprisonment with parole after 12 months (7 months remaining in custody after time already served).

Defence sought 18 months imprisonment with parole after 8 months (3 months left to serve in custody).

The Magistrate considered both and decided on 24 months imprisonment with parole after 7 months (2 months left to serve) taking into account our submissions that a long parole period will be giving him the best opportunity to continue with his rehabilitation efforts.