Domestic Violence Lawyers

If you have been charged with a domestic violence offence, it is essential to seek immediate legal advice from a specialist criminal defence firm. Domestic violence charges can have serious consequences, including criminal penalties, restrictions on your freedom, and lasting effects on your family and reputation.

At Lamont Law, we understand the sensitive and complex nature of domestic violence matters. Our experienced lawyers specialise in defending Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs) and related criminal charges. We know how these cases are handled by the courts, and we work strategically to protect your rights, minimise the impact on your life, and achieve the best possible outcome.

Our team has successfully represented clients in a wide range of domestic violence cases, from defending contested AVOs to negotiating favourable resolutions that help avoid convictions. We are committed to providing strong advocacy while treating every client with respect and understanding.

We offer a free initial consultation, giving you the opportunity to understand your options and plan the best path forward.

Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) Lawyers

At Lamont Law, we specialise in handling domestic violence cases and Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs) across New South Wales. Our experienced team understands the complexities of these matters and is dedicated to providing compassionate, expert legal support to protect your rights and interests.

Domestic violence can take many forms, including physical assault, emotional abuse, stalking, harassment, unwanted sexual acts, and threats. Allegations of this nature are treated very seriously by the courts and can have immediate impacts on your freedom, family life, and reputation.

An Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) is a legal measure designed to protect individuals from violent or threatening behaviours. It is important to understand that an ADVO itself is not a criminal charge and does not automatically give you a criminal record. Instead, it sets conditions that restrict contact or behaviour towards another person. However, breaching an ADVO is a criminal offence and can result in significant penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

Our lawyers have extensive experience representing clients in both defending and applying for AVOs. We provide clear advice on your rights, explain how the process works, and prepare strong representation to secure the best outcome. Where possible, we work to resolve matters quickly to minimise stress and disruption to your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an AVO?
An AVO is an Apprehended Violence Order. It is an order which is intended to protect victims of domestic violence. An AVO is not a criminal charge, however often there are associated charges which pertain to the same incident of complaint. An AVO prevents the defendant from behaving in certain ways, such as assaulting, contacting or going near the protected person. Contravening an AVO is a criminal offence.
Who applies for an AVO?
An individual can apply for an AVO or the police can make an application on someone else’s behalf. This occurs by way of an application to the Local Court.
When can an AVO be made?
A Magistrate in the Local Court can make an AVO if a defendant consents to the order being made; or, if after a hearing of evidence an AVO is considered necessary for the protection of the person in need of protection. The court must make an AVO order if a defendant has been found guilty of a domestic violence offence.
What can I do if I’ve been issued with an AVO?
As the defendant of an AVO application you can either consent to the AVO being made or you can choose not to consent to the AVO being made. If you consent to the order you do not have to make admissions in respect to any of the allegations. Consenting to an AVO is not a decision to be made without considering the possible consequences of the orders duration and conditions. If you do not agree to an order being made then each party is to file and serve on the other side a written statement of the evidence upon which they will rely at the future hearing. The court will set a timetable for this to occur. At the AVO hearing each party will have an opportunity to adduce their evidence and cross examine the other side.