Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

by | Mar 16, 2021 | Coastal Lawyers, Criminal Law, Family Law, Traffic law

Here are our top 6 frequently asked questions (FAQs) at Coastal Lawyers. Well the first is ‘where do you find all our memes?” but that’s another post. 😉
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But the ones related to the work we do as lawyers are by far the following:

What areas of law do you do? ⠀

We represent clients in all aspects of criminal law, traffic law and family law.
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Do you do Legal Aid work?

Yes. We are all on legal aid criminal law panels and also on the family law panel so we can represent eligible Legal Aid clients. ⠀

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Do you offer a free appointment? ⠀

Yes. we offer a free 15-minute discovery call. Confirm how we can help and give you an idea of our fees.

How do I book a call? ⠀

Jump onto our website and you can book a time and that suits www.coastallawyers.com.au/bookings (or DM us).
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Do you offer fixed fees? ⠀

Yes. We offer fixed fees for all criminal law matters. We also offer valued pricing in family law matters.

Where are you located and what courts do you attend? ⠀

We have offices in Gosford but embrace technology and do most of our calls over zoom and telephone. We attend all Central Coast courts including Wyong, Gosford, Belmont, Toronto and Newcastle. ⠀
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Talking to a lawyer about a criminal law or family law matter doesn’t have to be scary. We offer a completely confidential and judgment-free zone. So book in a chat with a lawyer today⠀
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#lawyerlife #terrigal #centralcoast #centralcoastnsw #coasties #coast ##wamberal #centralcoastlawyer

Book Your Free 15 minute discovery call

There’s a (new) fine line for those doing it tough

There’s a (new) fine line for those doing it tough

by | Feb 4, 2021 | Traffic law

FINES

There’s a (New) Fine Line for Those Doing it Tough

need a central coast traffic lawyer?

There is a (new) fine line for those doing it tough

On 1 July 2020, NSW rolled out a new policy enabling persons supported by social security and experiencing financial hardship to have their fines halved.

Am I eligible?

Anyone who receives a Centrelink payment is eligible to be assessed and in case you’re wondering, yep – this includes the Covid-19 JobKeeper payment. It’s important to note that fine reduction isn’t automatically applied to your fine. Revenue NSW will conduct an assessment and determine whether your fine could be paid in full via a payment plan arrangement or resolved through a work development order (which essentially is completing either unpaid work or participating in a course or program). Following this, Revenue NSW will make a decision.

Do you need payment flexibility?

In situations where Revenue NSW has determined a fine could be paid in full, you’ll be glad to know that the policy has introduced greater payment flexibility. You are now able to set up a payment plan at any time, which previously was only considered when a fine was overdue. Have you checked out our blog on court-imposed fines? Click here to view it.

Does this apply to my fine?

The new policy applies to fines collected by Revenue NSW. These include: traffic / speeding fines; parking fines; police infringement notices for stealing police infringement notices for offensive behaviour; and police infringement notices for intoxicated and disorderly conduct. Some fines are exempt Voting-related fines, jury duty fines and fines issued to body corporates are not included.

Have you been charged with a traffic offence on the Central Coast?

If you are going to Court on the Central Coast for a traffic offence then you should get advice from a Central Coast criminal lawyer, like Coastal Lawyers. We are Central Coast lawyers who have experience representing Central Coast locals in all types of traffic matters across all courts including Gosford Local Court, Wyong Local Court, Belmont Local Court and Toronto Local Court. We offer a free 15 minute discovery call for all clients and are also on legal aid panels for all criminal law matters.

Common types of traffic offences

Drink Driving

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Drink driving is considered to be a very serious offence by the courts. Offences of mid-range and high range drink driving can attract jail terms and also attract mandatory interlock orders. If you have been charged with drink driving then you should speak to an experienced lawyer from Coastal Lawyers.

Drug Driving

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Certain drugs can stay in your system weeks or months after they have been consumed. Drug driving and the loss of your licence can have serious consequences on your ability to earn an income and support your family. If you have been charged with drug driving on the central coast, then Coastal Lawyers can provide you with legal representation at court.

Speeding

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Speeding offences can lead to the loss of your licence due to demerit points of immediate licence suspension for certain speeding offences. If your licence is at risk then you speak to Coastal Lawyers about your options.

Unlicenced driving

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Dangerous Driving

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Dangerous driving occasioning death or grievous bodily harm are extremely serious matters and can result in jail terms. As a former prosecutor for very serious traffic offences including dangerous driving, Kristal from Coastal Lawyers can give you solid legal advice and representation if you find yourself charged with serious traffic offences.

Heavy Vehicles

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About Coastal Lawyers

People generally don’t come to lawyers for criminal law and family law advice in celebration (that’s okay we get it!).  But talking to a lawyer also doesn’t need to be overwhelming or scary. At Coastal Lawyers, we give our client’s frank and practical legal advice. We are human’s, parents and spouses too. We bring our life experience to our role as legal advisers and advocates. We offer a judgement free and confidential space where you can discuss your legal problems, have your legal questions answered and make informed decisions about your unique situation.
BOOK A FREE 15 MINUTE DISCOVERY CALL
Our clients are busy people who are often juggling work and families. This is why we use technology to make the process of getting legal advice simple and convenient. We use phone and video calls to regularly keep our clients updated. As well as face to face appointments at our Erina offices when required. We also use the latest legal technology including online bookings and payment options. Email and text messages to remind clients about their upcoming appointments and court dates. As well as a secure client portal so clients can conveniently view court documents and correspondence. Early legal advice is often crucial to the success of your matter.

Getting Legal Help is easy

Book Appointment

Book an appointment online that suits you either by phone or video call.
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Free 15 Min Chat

During your call you will speak to a lawyer completely obligation free.

Fee Certainty

Find out exactly how much your fees are (including fixed fees for most matters)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you do Legal Aid?

Yes Coastal Lawyers are on all of the criminal law Legal Aid panels and also on the Family Law Legal Aid panels. So we can do legal aid work for eligible clients.

What courts do you appear at?

Coastal Lawyers are central coast locals too, so we appear at all Central Coast and Newcastle Courts including Gosford Local Court, Wyong Local Court, Belmont Local Court, Toronto Local Court and the Newcastle Federal Circuit Court.

 What areas of law do you do?

At Coastal Lawyers, focus on our three main focus areas, criminal law, traffic law and family law.

Do I really need a lawyer?

If you aren’t sure if your matter really needs a lawyer, then why not book in a free 15 minute discovery call with Coastal Lawyers. You will get to speak to a lawyer who can give you some guidance as to whether your matter needs a lawyer or not. 

OTHER FAQ'S

Contact Us

Ask a question or book an appointment below. If you have an urgent after hours criminal law matter, youc an call us on 0410 929 018 and leave a message and someone will get back to you. 

Send us a message

8 + 9 =

1300 271 289

PO Box 598 TERRIGAL NSW 2260

@coastallawyers

@coastallawyers

How are you? I’m fine.

How are you? I’m fine.

by | May 2, 2020 | Traffic law

COURT IMPOSED FINES EXPLAINED BY COASTAL LAWYERS…

If you have pleaded guilty to a criminal or traffic offence or if you have been found guilty of an offence then a Magistrate (if you are in the Local Court) or a Judge (if you are in the District Court) will need to sentence you.

A number of sentence options are available to a court when dealing with a person before them (known as the offender at the time of sentencing).

The most common penalty imposed by NSW courts is a fine.

In this blog post, we discuss court-imposed fines. Fines can also be imposed by local councils and other government organisations as well.

THE LEGISLATION (LAW):

The two main pieces of legislation (the law) that you need to be aware of when it comes to fines are the:

  • Crimes (Sentencing) Procedure Act 1999; and

  • Fines Act 1996

HOW MUCH WILL MY FINE BE?

Each offence has a penalty unit attached to it. A penalty unit is equal to $110. For example, if you see an offence is 5 penalty units (pu), the maximum fine a court can sentence you too is $550.

A Coastal Tip: You can find out the penalty for most criminal offences on the Law Part Codes website.

WHAT IF I CAN’T PAY A FINE?

The court is required to take into account your ability to pay a fine when setting the amount (section 6 of the Fines Act). If you can’t pay a fine, the court may impose an alternative penalty such as a community service order.

HOW LONG WILL I BE GIVEN TO PAY A FINE?

The Court will order that you pay the fine within 28 days (section 5 of the Fines Act).

If you don’t pay your fine within 28 days, you will be charged an additional $65 fee by Revenue NSW.

A Coastal Tip: If you can’t pay the full amount of your fine within 28 days, it is important to seek an extension or ask to pay by instalments to avoid any additional charges. You can find the ‘Application for Time to Pay Court Fines’ in the local Court here.

HOW DO I PAY MY FINE?

You will usually be sent a penalty notice in the mail which you can pay online (or via credit card or EFTPOS at the court).

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I DON’T PAY MY FINE?

Many people don’t fully appreciate the range of consequences which flow from failing to pay a fine. Some of the consequences include:

  • The fine can increase with additional charges for late payment

  • Your licence can be suspended

  • A sheriff can be sent to your house to take property in payment of the fine

  • Your bank account can be garnished (money is taken out to pay for the fine)

  • You may be ordered to undertake community service.

WORK AND DEVELOPMENT ORDERS

If you cannot pay your fine, you may be eligible to make an application for a Work and Development Order (WDO) through Revenue NSW. To be eligible for a Work and Development Order, you must meet one of the criteria:

  • Have a mental illness;

  • Be homeless

  • Have an intellectual or cognitive disability

  • Have a series addiction or

  • Be facing serious financial hardship.

If you are eligible for a Work and Development order, you will generally be entitled to undertake courses, counselling and/or community service to pay off your fine.

IS A FINE A CONVICTION?

Yes. If you go before the Court and receive a fine this is a criminal conviction. Criminal convictions can have an effect on your future and therefore it is crucial to obtain legal advice from an experienced criminal lawyer prior to going to Court.

DO YOU NEED A CRIMINAL LAWYER ON THE CENTRAL COAST?

If you are going to court (even if you think you will ‘only get a fine’) you need a Central Coast Criminal Lawyer to help you.

Coastal Lawyers will provide you with simple language legal advice and set out your options prior to going to Court so you an informed.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES/INFORMATION:

Courts and Government agencies:

Legal Resources:

Free Legal Advice:

WHO ARE COASTAL LAWYERS? 

Coastal Lawyers are central coast family lawyers. We offer representation in all areas of family law including divorce, parenting property and maintenance. 

Written by Kristal

Written by Kristal

Principal Lawyer & Founder of Coastal Lawyers

Kristal was admitted as a lawyer in 2011. A former prosecutor, she has a Diploma in Law. A Graduate Certificate in Criminal Practice and is currently completing her Masters in Family Law (2022).

Kristal is a member of the Legal Aid Panels for criminal law and family law and domestic violence. 

Fun Fact: Kristal loves all things mindfulness, meditation and "wu wu". 

 

DISLAIMER (BECAUSE WOULD WE EVEN BE LAWYERS WITHOUT ONE): 

The information contained in this legal resource is information only. It is not a substitute for your own research and/or legal advice. If you need legal advice, then you can book an obligation free appointment with Coastal Lawyers online.

BOOK A FREE 15 MINUTE DISCOVERY CALL
The rules about securing your car in NSW

The rules about securing your car in NSW

by | May 1, 2020 | Traffic law

‘I am just going to duck in and grab the paper”

Many of us could be breaking the law every day and not even realise it.

Ever quickly ran into the newsagent to buy the paper on a Sunday?

What about popping in to pay for petrol?

Or maybe it was your shout to grab the 4 x soy lattes (extra hot) from your local cafe?

If you’ve done any of the above and left your windows down or car unlocked, then you might be in for a little surprise when you return to your car.

In NSW the police can fine you for not properly locking your car or winding up your windows.

What about, if no one is in the car? What if a child is left alone, do you need to take the keys out of the ignition?

THE LAW:

Regulation 213 (5) of the Road Rules 2014 (NSW) – Making a motor vehicle secure.

WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY?

Essentially if you are moving more than 3 meters away from your car, the car must be locked and the windows secured.

Interestingly, the windows can be left down by up to 2cm and still be secure.

This road rule also says that if you leave the vehicle unattended or with a child or person under 16, you must take the key out of the ignition (Regulation 213 (4)).

(You also need to be aware that leaving a child in the car alone can also be an offence section 231 Children and Young Persons Act 1998). More on that in another post.

WHAT IS THE PENALTY?

Get caught breaking this law and the police can fine you $114.

If you choose to take the matter to court, the maximum fine the court can impose is 20 penalty units ($2,200).

Something to think about the next time you duck in to grab a pizza. Delivery might be the cheaper option.

DO YOU NEED A TRAFFIC LAWYER ON THE CENTRAL COAST?

If you are going to court (even if you think you will ‘only get a fine’) you need a Central Coast Traffic Lawyer to help you.

Coastal Lawyers will provide you with simple language legal advice and set out your options prior to going to Court so you an informed decision.

WHO ARE COASTAL LAWYERS? 

Coastal Lawyers are central coast family lawyers. We offer representation in all areas of family law including divorce, parenting property and maintenance. 

Written by Kristal

Written by Kristal

Principal Lawyer & Founder of Coastal Lawyers

Kristal was admitted as a lawyer in 2011. A former prosecutor, she has a Diploma in Law. A Graduate Certificate in Criminal Practice and is currently completing her Masters in Family Law (2022).

Kristal is a member of the Legal Aid Panels for criminal law and family law and domestic violence. 

Fun Fact: Kristal loves all things mindfulness, meditation and "wu wu". 

 

DISLAIMER (BECAUSE WOULD WE EVEN BE LAWYERS WITHOUT ONE): 

The information contained in this legal resource is information only. It is not a substitute for your own research and/or legal advice. If you need legal advice, then you can book an obligation free appointment with Coastal Lawyers online.

BOOK A FREE 15 MINUTE DISCOVERY CALL

What should I wear to Court?

What should I wear to Court?

by | Apr 30, 2020 | Traffic law

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO COURT?

Life isn’t perfect but your outfit can be!

Going to court? Not sure what to wear?

At Coastal Lawyers we are quite the fashionable bunch (or maybe we just like good old fashioned practical advice that people can use).

So here it is, Coastal Lawyers top fashion court trends for 2021 (and beyond).

DON’T GET TOO COMFORTABLE

Wear what makes you feel comfortable BUT…..not too comfortable. It is not a day out at the beach. You aren’t going out for cocktails or beers with your friends. It is a serious occasion and a serious environment, so dress with that in mind.

COVER UP THE TAT’S

First impressions last and while society has progressed and many of us lawyers now even have tattoos, the law and particularly the courts are still very conservative places. The Magistrate is unlikely to enjoy your ink as much as your friends.

CONSERVATIVE

Dressing conservatively shows that you respect the court process and are taking your matter seriously. This will not go unnoticed by the Magistrate.

So dress to impress but also dress in what makes you most comfortable and authentic.

You don’t want to be a nervous Nelly or a fidgety Fred because you have dressed in a suit for the first time or because you are wearing 6 inch heels when you are more comfortable in flat shoes.

  • Men should preferably wear a suit and tie BUT if you are not comfortable in a suit then opt for some dress trousers and a button up shirt.

  • Ladies, again a pant or dress suit is preferred however anything on the conservative side is better.

WHAT TO AVOID?

  • Plunging necklines.

  • Singlets

  • Short skirts

  • Shorts

  • Thongs

  • Showing off tattoos and piercings.

COASTAL LAWYERS TIP: If you don’t own any court suitable clothes then head down to your local op shop and you will be surprised what $20 can buy you.

Alternatively, put the call out on social media. You are bound to have some friends who can loan you an outfit for the day.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES/INFORMATION:

Courts and Government agencies:

Legal Resources:

Free Legal Advice:

DO YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW NEED A CENTRAL COAST LAWYER FOR COURT?

If you are going to court for a criminal law or traffic law matter on the Central Coast then Coastal Lawyers can help.

Coastal Lawyers attend the following Courts:

  • Gosford Local Court

  • Gosford District Court

  • Wyong Local Court

  • All Central Coast Children’s Courts.

Coastal Lawyers provide clear and easy to understand legal advice.

We pride ourselves on being frank, honest and open with our clients.

We set out all of your options in simple language so you can be confident to make decisions about your future.

WHO ARE COASTAL LAWYERS? 

Coastal Lawyers are central coast family lawyers. We offer representation in all areas of family law including divorce, parenting property and maintenance. 

Written by Kristal

Written by Kristal

Principal Lawyer & Founder of Coastal Lawyers

Kristal was admitted as a lawyer in 2011. A former prosecutor, she has a Diploma in Law. A Graduate Certificate in Criminal Practice and is currently completing her Masters in Family Law (2022).

Kristal is a member of the Legal Aid Panels for criminal law and family law and domestic violence. 

Fun Fact: Kristal loves all things mindfulness, meditation and "wu wu". 

 

BOOK A FREE 15 MINUTE DISCOVERY CALL

DISLAIMER (BECAUSE WOULD WE EVEN BE LAWYERS WITHOUT ONE): 

The information contained in this legal resource is information only. It is not a substitute for your own research and/or legal advice. If you need legal advice, then you can book an obligation free appointment with Coastal Lawyers online.