Domestic Violence Charges – No Conviction Recorded
The Court: Bankstown Local Court
The Lawyer: Helena Ng
The Charges: Domestic Violence
Outcome: No Conviction
Zhai & Associates recently secured an excellent outcome for a client facing multiple domestic violence-related charges in Bankstown Local Court, including two counts of Intimidation, three counts of Common Assault, and a charge of Contravening an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order.
The offences arose during a difficult period in the client’s relationship and involved incidents concerning his partner and children.
At an earlier court appearance, we successfully obtained an adjournment to allow our client further time to engage in counselling and rehabilitation before sentence.
During the sentencing proceedings, we relied on updated material including an apology letter, character references, and evidence of ongoing counselling. We submitted that our client had demonstrated genuine remorse, insight into his offending, and had taken meaningful steps towards rehabilitation.
His Honour accepted that the offending was at the lower end of objective seriousness and placed significant weight on our client’s rehabilitation, compliance with bail, low risk of reoffending, and early pleas of guilty. The Court ultimately imposed an 18-month Conditional Release Order without conviction.
The Court also varied the existing Apprehended Violence Order, allowing our client to return home and reside with his partner and children.
This outcome ensured that our client avoided a criminal conviction and highlights the importance of rehabilitation, strong preparation, and presenting compelling sentencing material before the Court.