At EAS Legal, we recently represented a client at the Wollongong Local Court in a criminal matter that was ultimately resolved by way of a negotiated plea deal on the day of Court.
The matter proceeded immediately to sentence and was complicated by the fact that our client was also facing a breach call-up in relation to an existing court order.
Our focus was on achieving an outcome that addressed the underlying issues contributing to our client’s circumstances while avoiding a more punitive sentencing outcome.
Our Approach
Following negotiations, a plea deal was reached which allowed the substantive matter to proceed to sentence that day.
Our sentencing submissions focused heavily on our client’s individual circumstances and, importantly, the supports required to reduce the risk of further offending.
Rather than approaching the matter purely from a punitive perspective, we emphasised the importance of addressing our client’s:
We submitted that these issues were better addressed through a structured community-based sentencing outcome rather than a harsher penalty.
The Outcome
The Wollongong Local Court accepted the approach advanced on behalf of our client.
The result was:
A plea deal successfully negotiated on the day
The matter finalised without the need for further contested proceedings
A community-based order imposed as the penalty
Our client remained in the community with access to mental health and drug and alcohol supports
No action was taken in relation to the breach of the existing order
The outcome allowed our client to move forward under a structured order focused on rehabilitation and support rather than further punishment.
Why This Result Matters
Effective sentencing advocacy is about more than simply asking the Court for leniency.
It requires identifying the factors contributing to a client’s offending and demonstrating why a particular sentencing outcome is appropriate for both the individual and the community.
In this case, our submissions focused on the practical supports our client required to address their mental health and drug and alcohol needs. The Court ultimately imposed a community-based order and, significantly, took no further action on the breach of the existing order.
At EAS Legal, we prepare sentencing matters with a focus on the complete circumstances of our clients and the pathway most likely to help them move forward.
Facing Criminal Charges or a Breach of an Existing Order?
EAS Legal represents clients in criminal proceedings throughout New South Wales, including negotiations, sentencing matters and breaches of existing court orders.
1800 117 533
www.easlegal.com.au
EAS Legal – Strategic Criminal Defence. Proven Results.
