Commonwealth Offences Lawyers Sydney

Facing Charges for a Commonwealth Offence? We Can Help.

Defence Lawyers for Commonwealth Offences

Commonwealth offences are governed by federal laws distinct from state legislation. They are prosecuted differently to state matters and have different laws associated with arrest, search and sentencing. If you’ve been charged with a Commonwealth offence in Sydney or NSW, it’s crucial to have experienced legal representation to navigate these unique challenges.

At Kingston Fox Lawyers, our team includes former Commonwealth prosecutors with extensive experience in handling a wide range of Commonwealth offences. We understand the complexities involved and provide tailored strategies designed to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

Contact us today to discuss your options and receive expert advice.

What are Commonwealth Offences?

Commonwealth offences cover a broad spectrum of alleged conduct that fall under federal laws rather than state legislation. These can include offences such as:

Drug Importation: Offences involving the illegal importation into Australia or possession of drugs that have been imported.
Wildlife and Environmental Offences: Illegal importation and exportation of protected species.
Fraud and White Collar Crime: Tax fraud, Centrelink fraud, corporate misconduct and cartels.
Child Exploitation and Cybercrime: Distribution and possession of child abuse material, online grooming, and other cyber-related offences.
Customs and Border Offences: Importation of prohibited items, including firearms and other weapons as well as and restricted goods like steriods.

Commonwealth matters are typically prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) and involve federal legislation making it essential to have a legal team with specific expertise in these types of matters.

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 are the penalties for Commonwealth offences?

Penalties for Commonwealth offences vary significantly depending on the nature and seriousness of the offence.

They can include fines, recognizance release orders (like a good behaviour bond) and imprisonment. Some serious offences, like drug importation, carry maximum penalties of life imprisonment. At Kingston Fox Lawyers, we aim to achieve the best possible sentence outcomes by strategic defence planning and negotiations with prosecutors.

How do Commonwealth and state prosecutions differ?

Commonwealth prosecutions are governed by federal laws, including the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth) and the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth) and are typically handled by federal prosecutors from the CDPP.

These cases differ in terms of arrest procedures, evidence gathering, and sentencing legislation. It’s crucial to have a legal team with specific experience in navigating these distinctions, as Kingston Fox Lawyers offers.

What to do if charged with a Commonwealth offence?

If you are charged with a Commonwealth offence, it’s vital to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Commonwealth matters often involve complex investigations, and early intervention by a knowledgeable lawyer can influence the outcome. Kingston Fox Lawyers can assess your situation, advise you on your matter, and develop a tailored defence strategy.

Can Commonwealth charges be reduced or dismissed?

Yes, it is possible for Commonwealth charges to be reduced or dismissed based on the evidence and circumstances of the case. An experienced defence lawyer can negotiate with federal prosecutors, challenging the evidence or seeking alternative outcomes such as diversion programs or plea deals that result in lesser charges.

How do I know if my case is a Commonwealth matter?

Commonwealth offences are typically those that involve federal laws or regulations, such as offences that involve the Australian border (like importation and exportation), involve the Australian Tax Office, or are otherwise related to customs and immigration. Examples include drug importation, telecommunication offences, fraud involving Centrelink or tax, cybercrime, and tobacco importation. We can help determine if your matter falls under Commonwealth jurisdiction and provide the appropriate representation.

What are the steps involved in a Commonwealth prosecution?

Commonwealth prosecutions often begin with an investigation by federal authorities like the Australian Federal Police (AFP) or the Australian Border Force (ABF).

If sufficient evidence is gathered, charges are laid and the matter is prosecuted by the CDPP. Cases may start in the Local Court but are often finalised in higher courts depending on the alleged offence. Kingston Fox Lawyers will guide you through each stage, from initial investigations to court appearances and, if necessary, appeals.