Court Advocacy and Appeals Lawyers

Facing a Court Appearance or Need Assistance with Bail or Appeals? We Can Help.

Bails, Appeals and Court Matters in New South Wales

Navigating the complexities of bail, appeals, and court appearances can be overwhelming. At Kingston Fox Lawyers, we offer comprehensive legal representation tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re seeking bail, appealing a conviction or sentence, or preparing for a court appearance, our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the process.

With over 40 years of combined experience, including time as former prosecutors, we have the insight and expertise needed to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Our personalised approach ensures that you receive the attention and support you need during these challenging times.

Contact us today to discuss your case and explore the best strategic options available to you.

Our Services: Bail, Appeals, and Court Appearances

We offer a comprehensive range of services to support you through various stages of the legal process, including:

Bail Applications

Being denied bail can be a distressing experience, but our team is here to help you secure your release. We handle:

Local Court Bail Applications
Bail Variations

Supreme Court Bail Applications

Appeals

If you believe your conviction or sentence was unjust, we can help you challenge the decision. Our services include:

Conviction Appeals
Sentence Appeals

Appeals to the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal

Court Appearances and Inquiries

Appearing in court can be intimidating, but Kingston Fox Lawyers are here to support you through:

Supreme Court matters
Commissions of Inquiry, Compulsory Examinations and Inquests

Meet the Team Behind Your Defence

Alexandra Sarmed

BA LLB, Partner

Phone: 0455 039 707

Erin Hoile

BA LLB LLM, Partner

Phone: 0455 039 660

Philippa Rich

BA LLB, Associate

Phone: 0402 055 552

Shane Arie

LLB, Solicitor

Phone: 0455 039 112

Ben Key

Law Clerk

Phone: 0457 781 133

The Kingston Fox Difference

Why Choose Kingston
Fox Lawyers?

At Kingston Fox Lawyers, we are more than just your legal representatives — we are
your partners in navigating the challenges ahead. What sets us apart is our deep commitment to providing a tailor-made, personalised service, backed by over
40 years of combined experience in criminal law.

Our team, which includes former prosecutors, brings unparalleled expertise and a strategic advantage to your defence.

We pride ourselves on our supportive, client-focused approach. Clients often share how much more at ease they feel after speaking with us, reassured by our understanding and straightforward advice. We focus not just on the legal challenges but on your future, ensuring that you can move forward with confidence and peace of mind.

Hear it from our satisfied clients

“A difficult matter that was resolved in my favour”

“Alexandra Sarmed offered me exceptional service and professional assistance with a difficult matter that was resolved in my favour. I couldn’t have asked for any more and I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone in future. Nor will I ever go anywhere else for legal advice myself. I know if she couldn’t help me she would steer me to the right person for the job.”

A.C

“Frank, understanding, hardworking, and knowledgeable”

“We were incredibly lucky to be referred to Alexandra Sarmed for a complex set of charges against my adult child. From the first meeting, we were struck by her sense of humanity. She supported us throughout the process with her frankness, understanding, warmth, humour, hard work and knowledge. Alexandra found an amazing Barrister and together they achieved the right outcome. We will be forever thankful to Alexandra Sarmed.”

S.D

“Sympathetic and extremely reassuring”

“Erin was wonderful at a time of extreme stress for me. She listened to me and provided professional and helpful advice. She was sympathetic and clear-thinking, expertly guiding me through a process that was foreign to me. This was extremely reassuring. I would strongly recommend Kingston Fox Lawyers to anybody needing legal representation.”

B.F

Frequently Asked Questions

What is bail, and how can I apply for it?

Bail is an Order that allows you to remain out of custody while your case is being determined. You can apply for bail in the Local Court, where the Court will consider factors like whether you pose a flight risk, are likely to commit other offences or a endanger the community. If bail is refused in the Local Court, you can make a further application in the Supreme Court, where additional evidence may be presented to address the bail concerns. Alternatively, if there has been a change in circumstances since you were first refused bail, you may be in a position to make another application in the Local Court. Kingston Fox Lawyers are experienced in handling bail applications and will work with you to secure the best possible outcome.

What should I do if my bail conditions need to be changed?

If your circumstances change after bail has been granted, you may need to apply for a bail variation. This could include changes to where you live, reporting requirements, or other conditions that are no longer suitable. It is best to apply for a variation as soon as possible, so you do not risk breaching your bail conditions, which may result in your arrest. Our team can assist in applying for a variation, ensuring that the new conditions meet your needs while satisfying the court’s requirements.

What is the process for appealing a conviction or sentence?

If you believe your conviction was unjust or your sentence too severe, you can lodge an appeal. You can appeal a Local Court decision on both the severity of a sentence and the conviction. Appeals must be lodged within 28 days of the decision. Our experienced team will review your case, identify grounds for appeal, and represent you throughout the process to seek a favourable outcome.

How does the District Court differ from the Local Court?

The District Court handles more serious offences that cannot be resolved in the Local Court, including trials and sentencing for crimes like sexual assaults, drug trafficking, and significant fraud cases. The District Court also hears appeals from Local Court decisions. Having experienced legal representation is crucial in the District Court, as the outcomes can significantly impact your future. Kingston Fox Lawyers provide expert support in these matters, ensuring you are well-prepared for each stage of the process.

What is the EAGP process?

EAGP stands for Early Appropriate Guilty Pleas and encourages appropriate early guilty pleas with set discounts on sentence. This process applies to indictable offences that will ultimately be finalised in the District Court.
Sentencing discounts available on a plea of guilty are:

25% if you plead guilty in the local court
10% if you plead guilty up to 14 days before your trial is set down to start
5% if you plead guilty less than 14 days before your trial is set down to start, or during the trial

These percentages are caps on sentence and may not apply if an exception applies.

What are the stages of the EAGP process?

Brief of evidence - This stage requires the prosecution to serve a brief of evidence on the defence and the ODPP. This generally takes about 8 weeks, but may take longer in certain circumstances.
Charge Certification - Once the full brief of evidence is received by the ODPP they will determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed with the offences charged. The ODPP will then file a charge certificate listing the charges they wish to proceed with. A charge certificate must be filed within 6 months of the first mention date, unless a Local Court Magistrate grants an extension of this time limit.
Case Conference - After a charge certificate is filed, the Local Court will order the parties to participate in a case conference. This process includes the parties meeting to discuss the matter, to determine if the Accused person is willing to plead guilty to any of the offences and where early negotiations occur, in an attempt to resolve the matter without the need to go to trial. The parties are generally given 8 weeks to participate in a case conference and file a case conference certificate before it returns to court.
Committal - The final step of the process is the Accused person informing the court if they are guilty or not guilty to the offences charged. If the Accused pleads guilty to the offences before the court they will be committed to the District Court for sentence. If they plead not guilty, they will be committed to the District Court for trial.

Can I appeal a decision made in the District Court?

Yes, you can appeal a District Court decision to the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal (the CCA). A Notice of Intention to Appeal must be lodged within 28 days of the decision in the District Court. An appeal must then be lodged within 12 months. Kingston Fox Lawyers have extensive experience in CCA appeals, working with leading criminal barristers to build a compelling case on appeal.

What should I expect during the legal process?

The legal process can be complex and varies depending on the nature of the charges. It can be stressful, scary and emotionally draining, however, that’s why we’re here. We will guide you through each step, from initial consultation to court appearances and, if necessary, appeals.