Case Study

Our client had originally been charged with a total of 10 charges, including two counts of common law assault, arson, two counts of criminal damage, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, assault with a weapon, reckless driving, failure to stop on police request and reckless conduct endangering life. We entered into negotiations with the prosecution, and three charges were withdrawn. Our client had been suffering from a decline in their mental health at the time of the offending and was admitted to the hospital. We sought relevant psychological reports to support our submission regarding our client’s mental health. 

Our client pleaded guilty to the seven charges and was sentenced to 28 days imprisonment, which was reckoned as time already served. Their licence was disqualified for six months, and they were also placed on a good behaviour bond for 18 months with conditions of continuing to seek mental health treatment. This was a great outcome considering the seriousness of the offence and the large number of charges. 

Our client was eligible for a discount in sentencing because they elected to plead guilty. The Magistrate indicated that if our client pleaded not guilty and were found guilty later, they would have imposed a term of imprisonment for six months and a two-year Community Corrections Order (CCO).