Our client was a 43 year old man employed as a rigger across NSW. He was charged with negligent driving occasioning death – first offence, following a tragic set of circumstances that occurred as he was making his way from rural NSW to visit his partner in Sydney’s South West. Our client had collided with the victim, who was on a motorcycle, whilst conducting a right hand turn at an intersection. Our client had been travelling at a slow speed as he conducted the right-hand turn. Upon collision, the victim was ejected from his motorcycle and landed approximately ten metres away from the point of impact. First responders attempted to revive the victim, however, it was not long until he was pronounced deceased at the site. The offence negligent driving occasioning death – first offence carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 18 months. It also carries a maximum fine of $3,300 as well as an automatic period of licence disqualification of 3 years, or a minimum period of licence disqualification of 12 months. When our client first contacted us, he was very distressed as a result of the tragic accident. Jelena was patient and calm with our client and explained the court process to him. Jelena also obtained detailed instructions from our client. In taking these instructions, it became apparent that our client was suspended from driving by NSW police as a result of this offence and that as part of his bail conditions, he was not permitted to occupy the driver’s seat of a vehicle. As a result, our client lost his employment and was out of work. He was concerned about potentially facing jail time and being out of work. Before the substantive charge matter reached court, Jelena filed a licence suspension appeal against NSW police’s decision to suspend his licence for the offence negligent driving occasioning death. A bail variation application was also filed in support. The licence suspension appeal against police was listed in Picton Local Court a Magistrate. Compelling submissions were made by Jelena on behalf of our client and some subjective material was tendered to the court by Jelena in support of our application. The Magistrate agreed to allow our appeal and to vary our client’s bail conditions. This meant that the licence suspension was lifted and that the bail conditions were varied to delete the condition that he could not occupy a driver’s seat of a vehicle. Our client was able to drive and go back to work. As is common for these kinds of matters, the matter was referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in accordance with the Singh protocol. The matter, however, remained a police matter and was to be dealt with locally in Picton Local Court. Our client initially instructed us to plead not guilty. An order was made by the Magistrate for police to serve the brief of evidence to us. Jelena carefully reviewed the brief of evidence with our client and obtained comprehensive instructions from our client. Our client placed his trust in Jelena’s legal expertise and was detailed in his instructions, meaning that we could work together to carefully prepare for court. Upon review of the brief and instructions, our client instructed Jelena to enter a plea of guilty to the offence. The Magistrate requested a Sentencing Assessment Report (SAR) and the matter was adjourned for the report and for Local Court sentence. Police then contacted Jelena to advise her that an additional sequence would be added for the offence drive motor vehicle with illicit drug present in oral fluid etc. – first offence. This came as a result of a positive reading to the illicit drug cannabis appearing in our client’s bloodwork. Our client’s blood sample was taken at the local hospital not long after the tragic accident took place. It took some time for these results to come through, however, when they did, it became apparent on our client’s instructions and the evidence, that he was driving a motor vehicle with illicit drug present in oral fluid. A plea of guilty to this offence was entered when the charge was added. Jelena briefed a barrister in the matter to appear for the Local Court sentence. Together, Jelena and our barrister, as well as our client, prepared for the Local Court sentence. Jelena assisted counsel by gathering some compelling subjective material in support of our client’s subjective circumstances. Written submissions were prepared by counsel. It was a very difficult and emotional day in court, with the deceased victim’s family present in court. The Magistrate sentenced our client to 10 months imprisonment to be served by way of an Intensive Corrections Order (ICO). This means that our client was able to avoid full-time jail. Instead, he was subject to an ICO with supervision by his local community corrections office and ordered to undertake 80 hours of community serve work. As is mandatory upon conviction, our client was disqualified from driving. The Magistrate was persuaded to reduce the automatic period of licence disqualification, down to a period of 17 months. In relation to the offence drive with illicit drug present in oral fluid – first offence, our client was convicted and fined $1,100 (reduced from maximum fine of $2,200). As a result of the conviction, the Magistrate disqualified our client from driving for the automatic period of 6 months. Our client was very grateful to have avoided a custodial sentence and to have been able to serve a term of imprisonment in the community.

lamont law jelena

Result achieved by

Jelena Dobric

Solicitor · Lamont Law

Jelena is admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW and the High Court of Australia. Jelena practices exclusively in criminal and traffic law. Jelena has degrees in Media and Law from the University of New South Wales.

Other Results

Lamont Law Lawyers - Jelena Dobric

Jelena Dobric

@Campbelltown Local Court

Nine Shoplifting Charges – No Convictions Recorded at Campbelltown Local Court

Our client appeared before the Court charged with 9 counts of larceny (shoplifting).

Larceny offences are treated seriously by the Courts and each count carries a maximum penalty of 2 years imprisonment and/or a $5,500 fine in the Local Court. Multiple dishonesty offences can place a person at significant risk of conviction and serious long-term consequences.

Our client was a 20-year-old woman employed as a veterinary nurse with no prior criminal history. She was deeply concerned that criminal convictions would jeopardise both her current employment and future career opportunities.

During consultations with Lamont Law solicitor Jelena Dobric, the client disclosed significant personal issues, including regular use of benzodiazepines and other illicit drugs, including use prior to the offending.

Recognising that rehabilitation was critical, Jelena Dobric assisted the client to access support and treatment.

This preparation included:

  • Referral for rehabilitation support
  • A letter of instruction to a psychiatrist
  • Material for a comprehensive psychiatric report
  • Preparation for a potential section 14 mental health application
  • Further subjective material for sentence

Although the Court did not ultimately grant the section 14 application, the extensive preparation significantly strengthened the client’s position.

Appearing before Magistrate P Thompson at Campbelltown Local Court, Jelena Dobric made detailed submissions focusing on the client’s youth, lack of record, employment, rehabilitation efforts, and future prospects.

The Court was persuaded to deal with the client under section 10(1)(b) of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (NSW), now known as a Conditional Release Order without conviction.

As a result:

  • No criminal convictions were recorded for all 9 charges
  • The client protected her career and future employment prospects
  • The matter was resolved without a criminal record

Why this result matters: Multiple shoplifting charges often place clients at serious risk of conviction. Early intervention, rehabilitation, and strong advocacy can dramatically change the outcome.

This case result was dependent on its own facts and circumstances. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Lamont Law Lawyers - Jelena Dobric

Jelena Dobric

@Blacktown Local Court

Domestic Violence Stalk/Intimidation Charge Dismissed – No Conviction Recorded at Blacktown Local Court

Our client appeared before the Court charged with stalk or intimidate with intent to cause fear of physical or mental harm (domestic violence related) following an argument at the family home involving her step-mother.

This offence is treated seriously by the Courts and can result in criminal convictions, fines, community-based orders, and significant reputational consequences. Where offending occurs in the family home and in a domestic context, the matter is regarded more seriously.

The allegation involved a verbal threat which had been recorded.

Our client was a hardworking 18-year-old woman with a history of gainful employment despite her young age. She had no prior criminal record and was living in a difficult and challenging home environment at the time.

The client instructed that a plea of guilty should be entered, demonstrating remorse and accepting responsibility for the incident.

Lamont Law solicitor Jelena Dobric carefully prepared the matter for sentence by obtaining:

  • Character references
  • A letter of apology
  • Material addressing the difficult home circumstances
  • Evidence of the client’s employment and future prospects

Appearing before Magistrate Van Zuylen at Blacktown Local Court, Jelena Dobric made detailed and persuasive submissions seeking leniency and a non-conviction outcome.

The Court dealt with the matter pursuant to section 10(1)(a) of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (NSW), meaning the charge was dismissed and no conviction was recorded.

In addition, a final ADVO was made for a reduced period of 12 months, rather than the standard 2 years.

As a result:

  • The charge was dismissed
  • No criminal conviction was recorded
  • The ADVO term was significantly reduced

Why this result matters: Early pleas of guilty, strong subjective material, and careful advocacy can lead to outstanding outcomes even in domestic violence related matters.

This case result was dependent on its own facts and circumstances. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Lamont Law Lawyers - Jelena Dobric

Jelena Dobric

@Penrith Local Court

Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (Domestic Violence Related) – No Conviction Recorded at Penrith Local Court

Our client appeared before the Court charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm (domestic violence related).

This offence is treated seriously by the Courts and carries a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment in the District Court, or 2 years imprisonment and/or a $5,500 fine in the Local Court.

Police alleged the offence occurred in the home during an argument between our client and her partner. It was alleged that both parties had been heavily drinking when a dispute arose concerning relationship issues, during which our client bit the complainant on the hand, breaking the skin and drawing blood.

The fact that the offence was alleged to have occurred in a domestic setting was regarded as an aggravating factor.

Our client was a 37-year-old woman with a history of gainful employment who was at risk of losing her job if convicted.

She entered a plea of guilty at the earliest opportunity, demonstrating remorse and allowing the matter to proceed efficiently.

Lamont Law solicitor Jelena Dobric acted quickly to improve the client’s position by:

  • Making representations to police to amend the police facts sheet
  • Encouraging the client to engage with a mental health professional
  • Assisting with rehabilitation steps
  • Preparing strong subjective material for sentence

Appearing before Magistrate B van Zuylen at Penrith Local Court, Jelena Dobric made persuasive submissions highlighting the client’s remorse, rehabilitation, employment history, and the disproportionate impact a conviction would have.

The Court dealt with the matter under section 10(1)(b) of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (NSW), now known as a Conditional Release Order without conviction.

In addition, Jelena Dobric successfully negotiated with police for a reduced final ADVO term of 6 months, rather than the standard 2 years.

As a result:

  • No criminal conviction was recorded
  • The client avoided a criminal record
  • The ADVO term was significantly reduced
  • Employment prospects were protected

Why this result matters: Domestic violence related offences are serious matters. Early legal advice, rehabilitation steps, and strong advocacy can substantially improve the final outcome.

This case result was dependent on its own facts and circumstances. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Lamont Law Lawyers - Jelena Dobric

Jelena Dobric

@Penrith Local Court

Cocaine Possession Charge – No Conviction Recorded at Penrith Local Court

Our client appeared before the Court charged with possession of a prohibited drug, namely 1.63 grams of cocaine.

Possession of cocaine is a serious offence under New South Wales law and carries a maximum penalty of 2 years imprisonment and/or a fine of $2,200.

A conviction for a drug offence can have serious consequences for employment, professional registration, travel, and reputation. In this matter, our client was a 50-year-old mother employed by the Department of Education and was deeply concerned about the impact a criminal conviction would have on her career.

The client made full admissions to police and instructed that a plea of guilty should be entered. The plea was entered at the earliest opportunity, entitling the client to full sentencing discount for the plea.

During conferences with Lamont Law solicitor Jelena Dobric, the client disclosed a history of significant personal hardship.

This included:

  • Leaving an abusive marriage
  • Overcoming alcoholism
  • Recovering from breast cancer
  • The circumstances in which cocaine use commenced

Jelena Dobric assisted the client in accessing rehabilitation support and prepared extensive subjective material for the Court.

That material included evidence of:

  • Prior good character
  • Stable employment
  • Insight and remorse
  • Rehabilitation efforts
  • Significant adversity overcome by the client

Appearing before Magistrate Williams at Penrith Local Court, Jelena Dobric made comprehensive submissions seeking that the Court exercise leniency and avoid recording a conviction.

The Court dealt with the matter under section 10(1)(b) of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (NSW), now known as a Conditional Release Order without conviction.

As a result:

  • No criminal conviction was recorded
  • The client protected her employment and future prospects
  • The matter was resolved without the burden of a criminal record

Why this result matters: Even where guilt is admitted, strong subjective preparation and evidence of hardship, rehabilitation, and good character can lead to a no-conviction outcome.

This case result was dependent on its own facts and circumstances. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.