Professional Experience

Joanna regularly appears in a broad range of criminal and traffic cases, including:

  • Bail applications to the Local, District, and Supreme Courts of New South Wales,
  • Sentencing proceedings in the Local and District Courts of New South Wales,
  • Complex Local Court defended hearing,
  • Domestic violence matters (including apprehended violence orders),
  • Serious sexual violence matters,
  • White collar crimes,
  • Complex drug supply and possession crimes,
  • Applications pursuant to s 14 and 19 of the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020 (NSW) (formerly known as s 32 of the Mental Health (Forensic Provisions) Act 1990),
  • All manner of appeals, including licence appeals in the Local Court, severity and conviction appeals in the District Court, and
  • Indictable matters.

Throughout her career, Joanna has successfully defended countless clients in a broad range of criminal and traffic cases. Joanna has a proven track record of achieving favourable outcomes for her clients. She is known for her meticulous preparation, attention to detail, and strategic approach to each case she handles. Joanna is a strong believer in honesty and transparency for her clients when providing any legal advice. Because of her passion for criminal defence and justice, she works tirelessly on each of her client’s cases, whilst providing prompt and reliable advice, and fierce representation in the Court.

Approach

Joanna understands that being accused of a crime can be one of the most challenging experiences a person can face. She approaches each case with empathy, compassion, and a commitment to her clients. She works closely with her clients to thoroughly investigate their cases, identify legal defences, and develop personalised strategies aimed at achieving the best possible outcome.

She is not just a criminal defence lawyer; she is a dedicated advocate for her clients who is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of her clients. If you are facing criminal charges in New South Wales, you can trust Joanna to provide you with the skilled legal representation and unwavering support you need to navigate the legal process.

Outside Interests

  • Joanna is a multifaceted individual with a wide array of personal interests that reflect her vibrant personality and zest for life.
  • One of her greatest passions is exploring the natural world. She finds solace and rejuvenation in spending time outdoors, whether it’s hiking, camping beneath the stars, or embarking on scenic bike rides along winding trails.
  • She is drawn to the transformative power of literature, which allows her to escape into different worlds, gain perspectives, and explore the depths of the human experience.
  • She is also a novice artist. Spending much of her free time with a paintbrush in hand, capturing the beauty of the world around her.

Results

  • Negligent Driving Occasioning Grievous Bodily Harm carries a maximum penalty of 9 months imprisonment, a $2,200 fine, and an automatic disqualification of 3 years (reducible to 12 months) in NSW. This offence applies when a driver causes serious injury to another person by driving without the due care and attention expected on the road. Our client was charged following a traffic incident in which another person sustained significant injuries. The matter proceeded to a defended hearing in the Local Court. After careful preparation and contested evidence, the court found our client not guilty, avoiding both a conviction and a mandatory disqualification period.

  • Our 38-year-old client, a mother supporting her family overseas, faced criminal charges following an incident after a family gathering in north-western Sydney. Following a pleasant retreat in the Blue Mountains, she drove her family to her parents’ home. While enjoying tea, an argument erupted between our client and her mother over inappropriate language use in front of her child. The confrontation escalated when her mother attempted to take the child from her arms, prompting our client to push her mother away gently with her forearm.

    The situation intensified, with allegations that our client kicked her husband more than 50 times, resulting in a minor injury, before he retaliated. After calling emergency services to report her husband’s conduct, she was arrested and charged with common assault and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

    Upon contacting Lamont Law, our client conveyed her version of events and disputed the charges. Notably, she had a significant mental health history exacerbated by her circumstances at the time. Our solicitor, Joanna, guided her through the process of amending the charges and prepared representations to the police, resulting in the serious charge being downgraded.
    At Parramatta Local Court, Joanna argued for dismissal of the charges and proposed a twelve-month diversion to mental health care, including psychological counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy. The court accepted these submissions, dismissing the charges and allowing our client to pursue structured rehabilitation, avoiding a criminal conviction.

  • Our 43-year-old client was charged with driving with a high-range prescribed concentration of alcohol (PCA) after a distressing incident. While at home, she consumed a bottle of wine and engaged in self-harming behaviour, causing significant injuries to her forearms. She decided to drive herself to the Emergency Room for treatment. While driving out of her apartment complex’s basement, she collided with a storage cage and a stone barrier, stopping against the building’s exterior wall. Witnesses aided her, and emergency services soon arrived. A roadside breath analysis revealed a BAC of 0.294, significantly above the legal limit of 0.05 for unrestricted licence holders in NSW.
    After being charged, our client contacted Lamont Law and spoke with criminal defence solicitor Joanna. She disclosed her history of alcohol abuse, self-harm, and mental health decline. Our client pleaded guilty and was concerned about the possibility of imprisonment, though she had since completed an alcohol detox program and was engaged in ongoing rehabilitation.
    Joanna worked with her client’s healthcare providers to prepare a psychological report detailing her alcohol abuse history and mental health challenges. In court, Joanna emphasized her client’s rehabilitation progress, remorse, and participation in the Traffic Offenders Intervention Program, advocating for a non-custodial sentence.
    The court accepted Joanna’s submissions, sentencing our client to an 18-month Intensive Corrections Order with mandatory rehabilitation. Her driver’s licence was disqualified for nine months, and she was placed in a 48-month interlock program, much to her relief.

  • Our 57-year-old client, self-employed, was charged with contravening an apprehended domestic violence order (ADVO) after an incident involving his brother and nephew. Following a family dispute, an ADVO was imposed, and a few months later, our client was accused of following his brother and nephew while driving through West Gosford. Unaware of their presence, he was on his way to a Bunnings store for business purposes. His brother and nephew, however, claimed he was knowingly breaching the ADVO by following them.

    After his arrest, our client sought legal representation from Lamont Law and provided a detailed account of his actions on the day. He explained that he was unaware of their presence and was simply traveling through a major thoroughfare to his destination. Joanna, his criminal defence solicitor, explained that for the charge to hold, the prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that our client knowingly breached the ADVO, which was not the case here.

    At the hearing in Hornsby Local Court, video evidence provided by the nephew showed our client driving at a normal speed, maintaining a significant distance, and making no suggestive movements of following. During cross-examination, Joanna highlighted the absence of proof that he was aware of their presence or that he was trying to follow them. His Honour ultimately accepted Joanna’s submissions, ruling that the prosecution failed to prove our client knowingly breached the ADVO, leading to his acquittal.

  • Our 39-year-old client was charged with common assault following an altercation in her family home. The incident occurred when an argument broke out between her and the victim after discussing grocery shopping plans. During the argument, our client threw a TV remote and a hairbrush at the victim, with only one object making contact with the victim’s upper torso.
    After contacting Lamont Law, our client consulted with criminal defence solicitor Joanna. She expressed deep remorse for her emotional reaction and was concerned about how a criminal conviction might affect her employment. Our team assisted in preparing her case, focusing on her remorse, cooperation with the police, and her early guilty plea.
    At her sentencing hearing in Hornsby Local Court, Joanna advocated for leniency, highlighting our client’s genuine remorse, clean criminal record, full-time employment, and her role as the primary caregiver for her elderly mother. Joanna argued that these factors distinguished her from other offenders and showed strong prospects for rehabilitation.
    His Honour considered these points and sentenced our client to a two-year Conditional Release Order without a conviction. Delighted with the outcome, our client was grateful to avoid the negative impact a conviction could have had on her career.

  • A 61-year-old client, father of nine, was charged with common assault following an argument with one of his adult children. During the altercation, he flicked water from a glass towards his daughter from a distance of about 2 meters and allegedly threw the glass at her. Initially, he represented himself and pleaded not guilty. However, as the hearing approached, he grew anxious and contacted Lamont Law for assistance. He confided in Joanna, a criminal defence solicitor, that he intended to plead guilty but disagreed with some details in the Fact Sheet.
    Joanna prepared and submitted representations to the NSW Police to amend the Fact Sheet, which were accepted. The case proceeded to sentencing, and Joanna prepared subjective materials to support a plea for leniency. In court, Joanna highlighted the client’s good character, genuine remorse, and strong prospects for rehabilitation, arguing that his offense was of a low level. The court agreed and sentenced him to a 12-month Conditional Release Order without conviction.

  • Our 72-year-old client was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm after an altercation with his daughter at her home in south-western Sydney. The incident occurred while our client, who lives on the mid-north coast of NSW, was assisting his daughter to move out of her home to her new property. A verbal argument arose regarding the treatment of her dog, and it was alleged that our client assaulted his daughter, causing injuries. He denied the allegations, asserting that the injuries were self-inflicted while she moved her belongings.
    Our client contacted Lamont Law, and criminal defence solicitor Joanna reviewed the police’s brief of evidence. It became evident that the complainant had not provided a statement and was unwilling to support the charges. Despite the absence of a written statement from the complainant, she did in fact attend to give evidence. At the defended hearing in Bankstown Local Court, Joanna argued for the exclusion of the complainant’s evidence due to procedural non-compliance by the police under the Criminal Procedure Act 1986 (NSW).
    The court accepted Joanna’s submissions and refused to allow the complainant to testify. Consequently, the NSW Police withdrew the charges and the associated apprehended violence order, with the court dismissing both applications.

  • Our 50-year-old client, a full-time fencer, was charged with multiple offences following an altercation in Sydney. While visiting the city for work, which was cancelled due to weather, he consumed a significant amount of alcohol. Later, he unexpectedly encountered his ex-wife, the complainant, at a brothel, despite believing she had left the country. Under an apprehended violence order, he was prohibited from contacting her after consuming alcohol. After briefly speaking with her about their divorce, our client entered a neighbouring property by damaging a CCTV camera and entering through an unlocked door. Police were called and he was charged with contravening an apprehended violence order, aggravated entering a dwelling with intent, and stalking or intimidating to cause fear.
    Upon release, he contacted Lamont Law and consulted with criminal defence solicitor Joanna. He expressed remorse and intended to plead guilty. Joanna explained the seriousness of the charges, including one strictly indictable offence requiring prosecution in District Court. After negotiations, one charge was downgraded, allowing the matter to stay in Local Court, reducing potential penalties. Our client engaged in psychological treatment and alcohol rehabilitation.
    At Downing Centre Local Court, he pleaded guilty, and the magistrate requested a pre-sentencing assessment report. Ultimately, our client received an 18-month Community Corrections Order, requiring supervision, abstinence from alcohol, and 50 hours of community service. He was relieved to avoid imprisonment.

  • Our client was 41 years of age. She is a single mother working two jobs to support herself and her child. She was charged with two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm arising from two separate, albeit similar exchanges between herself and LK in the preceding two years. On one occasion, she and LK engaged in a heated verbal exchange. During this exchange, our client grabbed LK by the arm and pulled LK into a bedroom. Our client proceeded to confiscate LK’s mobile phone. LK attempted to recover the mobile phone, however, has fallen towards our client and caused both parties to fall to the ground. Whilst on the ground, our client then used her fingernails to scratch LK’s calf. On another occasion, our client and LK again were involved in a heated verbal exchange. During this exchange, LK made several derogatory comments towards our client. Our client has responded by slapping LK once on the nose causing LK’s nose to bleed. Immediately after being charged with the offences, our client contacted Lamont Law, where she spoke with our criminal defence solicitor, Joanna. She provided us with a significant history of mental health issues exacerbated by her personal circumstances around the time of the offending conduct. She enquired as to the availability of an application pursuant to s 14 of the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020 (NSW) (‘the Act’) to her matter. After hearing a comprehensive history of our client’s mental health condition, Joanna explained the steps we needed to take to increase the prospects of a successful s 14 application. Joanna immediately consulted with her treating psychologist to prepare a report corroborating her history of mental health issues. Prior to attending Court, Joanna prepared comprehensive written submissions in support of the application, setting out our client’s complex mental health history, her compelling subjective circumstances, and advocated for an order to be under pursuant to s 14 of the Act. We appeared at Sutherland Local Court, where Joanna advocated that the charges be dismissed, and our client be diverted into the care of her mental health practitioner for a period of twelve (12) months. A treatment plan was devised requiring that our client continue to engage in psychological counselling on a weekly basis, undertake cognitive behavioural therapy in order to address her underlying mental health issues, and to comply with the directions of the psychologist. The Magistrate accepted the submissions made by Joanna when determining the appropriate penalty for our client. His Honour accepted that our client presented with a complex mental health history and that her mental health was in serious decline around the time of the offences. It became clear that our client was well engaged with her psychologist and that she had made significant treatment gains since the time of the offences. Our client’s charges were dismissed, and she was diverted into the care of her psychologist for a period of twelve (12) months to comply with the treatment plan. This meant that our client not only avoided a criminal conviction, but she was also afforded with the opportunity to continue her rehabilitation in a structured manner.

  • Our client was 25 years of age and is employed as a peer worker within the mental health field. He was charged with an offence of negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm following a motor vehicle collision with a motorcycle. Prior to the collision, our client had never been charged with a criminal offence and he had a limited traffic history. In a matter of seconds, our client’s life changed entirely. Our client approached a t-intersection where he intended to turn right. The southbound traffic was heavy thereby preventing him from safely entering the intersection and turning right. The northbound traffic was light, with a parked vehicle obstructing lane 1 of 2. After a few minutes, with a gap in the traffic heading south, our client entered the intersection and executed a right hand turn into the lane the victim was occupying. This resulted in the motorcycle colliding with the rear offside of our client’s vehicle. The rider was thrown off his motorcycle and fell to the ground several metres ahead. The rider sustained serious injuries including a fibula head fracture and an avulsion of the cojoint tendon of the biceps femoris. These injuries required surgical intervention. Police attended the scene of the collision and spoke with our client. When speaking with the Police, our client volunteered information about the immediate circumstances preceding the collision. He provided a version consistent with the account of other witnesses, and he acknowledged that he had not considered that a motorcycle would not be visible from his position. After making contact with Lamont Law, our client disclosed the circumstances of the offence and indicated that he intended to plead guilty to the offence. He was devastated that he was responsible for the injuries sustained by the rider. Our client explained that he relied heavily upon his licence in the course of his employment. He emphasised that should he be convicted and subsequently disqualified; he would be terminated from his position. We appeared at first instance at Penrith Local Court where we made submissions in favour of a Conditional Release Order, without conviction. His Honour was not persuaded that our client should have the benefit of such an order. Our client was subsequently convicted, fined $1,000, and disqualified from driving for twelve months. Shortly after the decision, our client was terminated from his position and lost his Working With Children’s Check (‘WWCC’). He experienced significant difficulty locating alternative employment in the same field, as each role required that he have no criminal convictions, that he hold a valid WWCC, and that he retain the right to drive in NSW. Our client subsequently appealed against the severity of the sentence. Before attending Court, Joanna prepared comprehensive written submissions setting out our client’s compelling subjective circumstances, the impact of a conviction following the decision of the Local Court, the relatively low level of our client’s criminality, and advocated for a Conditional Release Order without conviction. Together we appeared at Parramatta District Court, where Joanna made further compelling submissions on behalf of our client. She properly conceded the serious nature of the offence and the significant injuries sustained by the rider. Importantly, Joanna highlighted that this was a case of momentary attention, that the level of our client’s actual negligence was low. She further presented strong evidence of the consequences of the Local Court decision on our client’s employment, and our client’s good prospects of rehabilitation after having completed the Traffic Offenders Intervention Program for the first time in his driving history. His Honour was persuaded that our client’s level of criminality was low and that the circumstances of the offence were extremely unfortunate. His Honour was further persuaded that the consequences of a conviction were unduly harsh. That it has and continued to cause serious hardship, not just for our client’s family but also for our client’s employer who provided critical services to the community in a climate where there was a shortage of support workers. The decision of the Local Court Magistrate was quashed. Our client was sentenced to a Conditional Release Order, without conviction, for a period of two (2) years. It was an extraordinary outcome in the circumstances.

  • Our client was 53 years of age. He was charged with one count of possession of child abuse material contrary to s 91H(2) of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW). It is a serious offence to possess child abuse material in New South Wales carrying a maximum penalty of ten years imprisonment if prosecuted on indictment to the District Court. Offenders often face strict penalties, including full-time imprisonment and registration on the Child Protection Register, reflecting Parliament’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable young persons from exploitation and abuse. A search warrant was executed on our client’s home. Our client assisted Police with their search by directing investigators to the location of each of his electronic devices and seven electronic devices were subsequently seized. When questioned by the Police, our client immediately made admissions to having downloaded child abuse material a few months prior. He informed investigators that he accessed the material over a three-day period and believed that he deleted the material from his laptop. A forensic digital analysis was conducted of each of our client’s electronic devices. Investigators restored and retrieved 885 deleted media files, accessed over a three-day period, from one laptop. The forensic examination further revealed that our client used specific, explicit, search terms to locate the child abuse material. After being charged and released on conditional bail, our client contacted Lamont Law where he spoke with our criminal defence solicitor, Joanna. He disclosed the circumstances of the offence, and a history of alcohol and illicit substance abuse, along with a significant history of mental health impairments. Our client explained that he intended to plead guilty and that his greatest concern was that he may be sentenced to a term of full-time imprisonment. Joanna offered assurance that she would do everything she can to support him and guide him through the Court process. Of crucial importance, Joanna was transparent throughout the entire process. From the outset, she explained the elements of the offence (what is required to prove the offence), the maximum penalties and the likelihood of a sentence of full-time imprisonment. We set a goal to work towards, but we provided a realistic outcome in the circumstances. We were able to tell him exactly what he needed to prepare before our Court date, and we made ourselves available for all his questions along the way. We immediately consulted with his treating psychologist to prepare both a psychological report confirming his mental health history and a report assessing our client’s risk of reoffending in a similar manner. Joanna conducted her due diligence by reviewing the material so as to ensure that the material located by investigators amounted to child abuse material. Before attending Court, Joanna prepared comprehensive written submissions setting out our clients compelling subjective circumstances, history of mental health impairments, history of illicit substance and alcohol misuse, intention to dispose of the material, and advocated for a non-custodial sentence. Together we appeared at Bankstown Local Court, where Joanna made further compelling submissions on behalf of our client. She acknowledged the serious nature of the offence and the need for general deterrence for offending of this kind. Importantly, she highlighted that the access occurred over a limited period, that there was evidence consistent with his intention to dispose of the material, and that he was now well engaged in rehabilitation. Joanna advocated that a non-custodial sentence would be more appropriate in light of our client’s proactive engagement in supervised rehabilitation, his low risk of reoffending, his compelling subjective circumstances, and the remorse he demonstrated throughout the proceedings. Her Honour accepted the submissions made by Joanna when determining the appropriate penalty for our client. Our client was sentenced to a Community Corrections Order for three years with strict conditions in respect of supervision, ongoing rehabilitation, and unpaid work in the community. Our client was relieved to have avoided a sentence of full-time imprisonment and to remain in the community.

  • Our client was 46 years of age. He was charged with the offence of possession of a prohibited drug, specifically cannabis. Whilst waiting for local public transportation, our client came to the attention of Police Drug Dogs. Our client was subsequently questioned and searched by the attending Police. He was found to be in possession of a significant quantity of the drug. When questioned by Police, he made full and frank admissions to having been in possession of cannabis. He promptly handed Police his backpack and directed them to the location of the drug. Our client was subsequently charged with his first criminal offence. After making contact with Lamont Law, he spoke with our criminal defence solicitor, Joanna. He explained that his primary concern was the impact which the recording of a criminal conviction will have upon the status of his employment. That it would likely result in the termination of his employment. We assisted him in the preparation of his subjective material. On the date of sentence, we appeared at Waverley Local Court. Our solicitor, Joanna, advocated for leniency by emphasizing features which distinguished our client from similar offenders before the Court. It was submitted that our client demonstrated genuine contrition. This was evidenced by his ongoing cooperation with the Police throughout the investigation, his early plea of guilty, and his proactive participation in extensive rehabilitation to manage and treat his illicit substance misuse. Our client had no prior criminal history. It was ultimately submitted that he was a person of otherwise good character, and a person who had good prospects of rehabilitation. His Honour took into account those features when determining the appropriate penalty for our client. He was sentenced to a Conditional Release Order for fifteen months, without conviction. Our client was elated with the outcome.

Articles