Domestic Violence
AVO Defence and Domestic Violence Allegations Lawyer Sydney
AVO defence and court representation across Western Sydney, Parramatta, Penrith, Blacktown, Campbelltown and Liverpool
An Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) is a restrictive legal measure that can fundamentally alter your life, your career, and your contact with family.
If you are facing an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) or an Apprehended Personal Violence Order (APVO), we can provide the steady hand and seasoned advocacy needed to navigate these high-stakes situations.
Why Expert Legal Advice is Your Best Defence
When your future and reputation are on the line, experience is your greatest advantage. With over 42 years of criminal defence practice and local presence across Sydney courts, Paul Wiggins provides more than just legal advice; he provides a strategic shield.
- Unrivalled local insight: Having navigated Parramatta and Western Sydney courts for decades, Paul understands the nuances of local magistrates and police prosecution tactics, bringing this “home-ground advantage” to every client he represents.
- Aggressive protection of rights: AVO proceedings can be intimidating and life-altering. Paul applies his knowledge and expertise to ensure your side of the story is heard and your legal rights remain impenetrable.
- No-nonsense strategy: No legal jargon or false hope – just a realistic appraisal of your case from day one. Knowing exactly where you stand, you have the clarity needed to make confident, informed decisions about your future.
- A tailored defence: Every case is personal. Paul listens to your unique circumstances to build a tailored and robust defence.
The Criminal Law Centre: Protecting Your Legal Rights in AVO Matters
In AVO matters, many people are tempted to “consent without admission” just to make the matter go away. However, the restrictions of an AVO remain legally binding regardless of your “consent”. Our role is to ensure you don’t inadvertently sign away your rights.
- Protect your career: An AVO can jeopardise standing in industries like security, childcare, healthcare, and government. We work to mitigate the impact on your professional life.
- Preserve family access: An ADVO is often used as leverage in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. We ensure your side of the story is heard to prevent unfair restrictions on time with your children.
- Prevent criminal liability: While an AVO is a civil order, a breach is a criminal offence. We provide clear, practical advice to help you understand the conditions so you can stay on the right side of the law.
When your reputation and your freedom to move are on the line, there is no substitute for experience.
Contact our Sydney AVO lawyer to discuss your matter today
Call us: (02) 9891 4200
Email us: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions About Apprehended Violence Orders
What is an AVO?
What are the different types of AVOs in Sydney, New South Wales?
There are two types of AVOs in New South Wales:
- Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) – to protect a person from violence, threats and harassment from a spouse, de facto partner, ex-partner, family member, carer or person who generally lives in the same home. ADVO applications are often made by police officers in association with substantive criminal charges.
- Apprehended Personal Violence Order (AVPO) – to protect a person from violence, threats and harassment from anyone with whom they are not in a domestic or family relationship and have never been in such a relationship. These applications are generally made through a private solicitor.
What happens if I breach an AVO?
While having an AVO issued against you is not a criminal offence, the courts treat breaches very seriously. Breaching an AVO condition can attract significant fines and result in a criminal record. There are certain defences to breaching an AVO. The Criminal Law Centre can provide a full case appraisal and discuss your options and any potential defences.
What does “consenting to an AVO without admission mean”?
Consenting to an AVO without admission means agreeing to the making of a final AVO without admitting to any allegations or claims. If you do this, an immediate, legally enforceable order will be made. While this might be considered an “easy way out”, without having to attend court, the legal restrictions of an AVO are identical to a contested order. Before consenting or signing any document, you need to understand how it will affect your freedom of movement and life for the next two to five years.
If you have been served with an AVO in Sydney, you are likely facing significant uncertainty. Contact the Criminal Law Centre for a prompt, confidential discussion and case appraisal.
Need Expert Legal Advice?
If you’re facing domestic violence charges, time is critical. Contact us today for a free, confidential case assessment with one of our experienced criminal defence lawyers.