CODA Criminal Law

When you connect with
CODA, our team is all in.

At CODA, we put clarity, compassion and commitment at the centre of what we do. We will clarify the legal process, treat you with compassion, and demonstrate our unwavering commitment every step of the way.

Experienced across all areas of criminal law, we will match you with the lawyer that best suits your needs.

Our team will ease your stress and tackle your case without judgement – which is what you need during one of the toughest, most uncertain periods of your life.

We prioritise quality over quantity, which means you are always provided with tailored legal advice, and we are there for you when you need us.

When facing criminal charges, contacting CODA should be your first and final step.

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At any stage, our team can help you understand what to expect and make the decisions that are right for you.

I am being investigated or have been asked for an interview

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News & Insights

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notes during counseling session

Will my mental health be considered in criminal proceedings?

Whether you have just been charged with an offence, or you are about to face an upcoming sentence, your mental health may be relevant to your criminal proceedings. The three major ways in which your mental health might be considered are: Pre-trial stage: to determine whether you are mentally fit to plead During the trial: […]
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Arrest

The powers of arrest in the ACT

The powers of a police officer to arrest a person without a warrant in the ACT are governed by section 212 of the Crimes Act 1900 (ACT). The section provides that, only if the police officer suspects on reasonable grounds that a person has committed or is committing an offence, and proceeding by way of […]
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ACT Courts

What is a non-conviction order?

If you are facing an upcoming sentencing proceeding, there are a range of possible penalties that might be imposed on you. One of these options is a non-conviction order. Contrary to what it sounds like, a non-conviction order does not mean that your offending will simply disappear from your criminal record. A non-conviction order allows […]
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The ACT drug decriminalisation laws: here’s what it means image

The ACT drug decriminalisation laws: here’s what it means

The ACT has decriminalised small amounts of illicit drugs, including cocaine, ecstasy (MDMA), ice, heroin, LSD and amphetamines. Practically, what that means is people who are caught with small amounts of nine different types of illicit drugs will not be criminally prosecuted. Instead, the drugs will be confiscated, the possessor issued a fine of $100
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How long after committing a crime can you be charged for it? image

How long after committing a crime can you be charged for it?

Is there a cut-off time between committing a crime and the police being able to charge you? This is a question we are sometimes asked in criminal law and the answer is yes, and no. A statute of limitations is the maximum amount of time between a crime being committed and when a charge is laid.
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How does sentencing work? image

How does sentencing work?

The process of sentencing an offender is complex and often misunderstood. Most people reach conclusions about sentencing based on media reports, and you often see people on social media complaining that the judge or magistrate has got the sentence wrong. Journalists condense lengthy and complex court matters into concise news stories – and, often, they are written with a little bias and sensationalism to keep things interesting.
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