At EAS Legal, we recently represented a 46-year-old male client before the Portland Magistrates’ Court who was facing multiple serious matters, including:
This was a highly complex and high-risk matter. Our client had a long history of similar offending, with his most recent appearance resulting in a significant term of imprisonment. Further complicating matters, the current offending occurred after his release, placing him at an elevated risk of being returned to custody.
At the outset, the matter was clearly within the range where a further term of imprisonment would ordinarily be imposed.
Our Approach
Our office undertook a strategic and structured approach, focusing on shifting the Court’s attention away from purely punitive outcomes and toward rehabilitation.
We prepared detailed submissions addressing:
We emphasised that despite the history, there remained a pathway forward that did not require a return to custody.
The Outcome
Following our submissions, the Court ultimately imposed:
This was an excellent and hard-fought result, particularly given the client’s extensive history, recent imprisonment, and continuation of offending.
Why This Result Matters
Matters involving repeat offending across multiple charge types, particularly after a recent custodial sentence, almost always result in further imprisonment.
Achieving a non-custodial outcome in these circumstances demonstrates:
Facing Serious Criminal Charges?
If you are facing multiple or repeat criminal charges, particularly with a history of imprisonment, early legal advice can make a critical difference.
EAS Legal regularly represents clients in complex and high-stakes matters across Victoria.
