Sentence Appealed, Appeal Granted

SV was charged with four offences – namely, two counts of ‘Supply prohibited drug’, one count of ‘Deal with proceeds of crime’ and one count of ‘Conduct drug premises while child present’.

Chris Cole represented SV in these matters. On the initial charges Chris was able to secure strict but fair bail conditions for SV while he awaited trial.

Chris Cole entered pleas of guilty to ‘Supply prohibited drug’ and ‘Deal with proceeds of crime’ on SV’s behalf. The second charge of ‘Supply prohibited drug’ and ‘Conduct drug premises while child present’ were withdrawn.

Her Honour sentenced SV to a term of full-time imprisonment of 18 months, comprising a non-parole period of 12 months. Chris Cole immediately lodged an appeal to the District Court.

At the Sentence Appeal Chris Cole tendered materials and made oral submissions on SV’s behalf on the severity of the sentence imposed. His Honour was not satisfied that he could order the Sentence be served by way of Intensive Correction Order (ICO). However, His Honour accepted that the Sentence was excessive and granted SV’s Appeal. He imposed a lesser sentence of 12 months imprisonment and a non-parole period of 7 months.

This was a satisfactory outcome.

RMS Appeal, Suspension Quashed

TO had his driver’s license suspended for ‘driving with an illicit substance present in oral fluid, urine or blood’, namely, methylamphetamine.

Chris Cole represented TO in his Appeal. Prior to appearing TO completed the Traffic Offenders Intervention Program. TO is self employed and reliant on his driver’s license to perform work. Chris Cole made submissions to the court on the likely effect of the driver’s license suspension on TO.

His Honour was of the view that a license suspension was unnecessary for the appealant and an Appeal was granted. Ultimately, His Honour revoked the suspension imposed by RMS.

This was a huge relief for TO as his driver’s license is essential to his financial stability.