Experience Defending Criminal Charges

Carl Edwards provides advice and court representation for criminal matters in Tweed Heads and throughout the Northern Rivers.

With more than 35 years’ experience in legal practice, Carl assists clients with matters including assault and domestic violence charges, drug offences, fraud and dishonesty matters, stalking and intimidation offences, property damage, police interviews, guilty pleas, defended hearings and appeals.

Whether you intend to plead guilty or not guilty, early legal advice can help you understand the charge, the evidence, the available options and the likely court process.

You deal directly with Carl throughout your matter, from the first enquiry through to preparation for court and representation at hearing or sentence.

Criminal Lawyer Tweed Heads – How I Can Assist

Police Interviews and Criminal Charges

If police wish to interview you about an alleged offence, obtaining legal advice beforehand can be important. What you say during an interview may affect how your matter proceeds.

I can advise you about your rights, the allegations being investigated and the options available before you make any decisions about participating in an interview.

Bail Applications

If you have been charged with an offence and refused bail, or the police are seeking restrictive bail conditions, I can advise you about your position and represent you in court.

Bail applications require careful preparation, particularly where there are allegations of domestic violence, concerns about further offending or a significant criminal history.

Guilty Pleas and Sentencing

If you intend to plead guilty, preparation can make a substantial difference to how your matter is presented to the court.

Depending on the circumstances, this may involve obtaining character references, medical reports, evidence of rehabilitation and other material relevant to sentencing.

I can advise you about the available sentencing options and prepare submissions addressing your personal circumstances and the seriousness of the offence.

Defended Hearings

If you dispute the allegations, I can examine the prosecution evidence, identify matters in dispute and advise you about your prospects of successfully defending the charge.

Where appropriate, I can represent you at a defended hearing, challenge prosecution evidence and make submissions on your behalf.

Domestic Violence and Assault Matters

I regularly assist clients facing allegations involving domestic violence, assault, intimidation, stalking and alleged breaches of apprehended domestic violence orders.

These matters can have consequences beyond the criminal charges themselves, particularly where there are existing parenting arrangements or restrictions on contact between family members.

Early legal advice can help you understand both the criminal proceedings and any associated apprehended violence order proceedings.

Criminal Appeals

If you have been convicted or sentenced in the Local Court, you may have a right of appeal to the District Court. Strict time limits can apply.

I can advise you about your appeal options, the relevant procedures and whether an appeal is appropriate in your circumstances.

If you need advice about a criminal charge or an upcoming court appearance, please visit my Contact page to arrange a consultation.