If you’re charged with a domestic violence offence in NSW, you’re being dealt with in a system that has changed dramatically in the last few years.

The NSW Government has rolled out reforms aimed at strengthening bail laws, increasing penalties for serious domestic violence, and making it harder for those accused of serious domestic violence to be released on bail.(NSW Government)

On top of that, there are new sentencing settings, including a 25‑year standard non‑parole period for intimate partner murder, which shows just how seriously domestic violence is now treated.(The Australian)

What’s changed with Police and prosecutions?

In day‑to‑day practice, I see:

• Police more likely to lay charges and apply for Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs), even on facts that used to be dealt with informally.(gold-criminal-lawyers.com)
• Specialist Police operations and “blitzes” targeting high‑risk offenders, with active warrant sweeps.(Sydney Criminal Lawyers)
• Prosecutors being reluctant to withdraw charges, even when the complainant’s views have changed or when the Court has indicated concerns about the strength of the evidence.
• Domestic violence lists in the Local Court with tight timetables and mini‑briefs of evidence served early, so matters move quickly to plea or hearing.(ODPP NSW)

It’s important to understand that once charges are laid, the case is Police v You, not “complainant v you”. Even if the complainant wants to withdraw, the Police may decide to push on.

How I approach these cases

My job is to bring balance and fairness back into a system that is rightly focused on protection, but sometimes overcorrects:

• I test whether the evidence actually proves the specific charges and whether the ADVO conditions are proportionate to the risk.
• I carefully analyse body‑worn video, 000 calls, messages and CCTV to show the context, not just the most dramatic moments.(ODPP NSW)
• If the complainant’s evidence is weak, inconsistent or doesn’t support the charges, I push for withdrawal or downgrade, or run a defended hearing.
• Where a plea is in your best interests, I prepare material that shows your insight, treatment and risk management, so the Court can sentence you fairly.

Domestic violence law in NSW is getting tougher, not softer. That makes early, realistic and fearless defence work more important than ever. If you’ve been charged or served with an ADVO, get in touch via www.spice.law before your first mention.