crime – Dowson Turco

A Complete Guide to Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs) in NSW

Articles, Crime, DTL Blog / By Dowson Turco

Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs) are a critical part of the legal framework in New South Wales, designed to protect individuals from violence, harassment, intimidation and stalking. Although AVOs are civil orders, breaching them is a criminal offence. Understanding how they work and your rights and obligations is essential, whether you are seeking protection or responding […]

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Ending “Good Character” as a Shield: A Summary of the 2026 Sentencing Reform

Articles / By Dowson Turco

The Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Amendment (Good Character at Sentencing) Bill 2026 (NSW) represents a significant shift in how courts approach sentencing. At its core, the Bill removes the ability for offenders to rely on “good character” as a mitigating factor when a court determines their sentence. What the law currently allows Under the Crimes (Sentencing

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New Study on Strip Search Laws in NSW

DTL Blog / By Dowson Turco

Rethinking Strip Searches by NSW Police, a new report commissioned by Redfern Legal Centre and prepared by University of New South Wales Law academics Dr Michael Grewcock and Dr Vicki Sentas has found that while strip searches are on the rise in NSW, most strip searches reveal nothing of evidential value, and instead add to

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DTL at Parramatta Pride

DTL Blog / By StaceyDowson

On the last weekend of October 2017, Dowson Turco Lawyers (DTL) attended the annual Parramatta Pride Picnic, hosted by ACON NSW. Picnics in Parramatta Parramatta Pride is an event that our firm regularly attends because it allows us to bring legal advice to the LGBTI community in Sydney’s west. People from all walks of life came

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Police Car - Image 1 | Dowson Turco Lawyers

DTL wins two big crime cases within days of each other

DTL Blog / By StaceyDowson

Well, lots of our friends and clients heard us bragging about our wins last week. But what were they? Matter one: Possession of house-breaking implements and drugs We successfully argued the defendant’s case that he was not guilty of possessing house-breaking implements and drugs. This led the court to finding him not guilty of possessing

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Crime Prevention and Control Orders – Thought Crimes and the Evolution of Secret Soldiers

DTL Blog / By StaceyDowson

Secret soldiers In an age of terrorism, traditional military tactics fall away. Actors in the war of terror don’t necessarily wear a uniform and sometimes they don’t even subscribe to a state with a flag. Preventative Detention Orders Both the New South Wales and Commonwealth Governments have enacted laws that allow police to take a

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