When police charge you with a criminal offence in New South Wales, the law doesn’t assume you’re guilty. You have every right to defend yourself. However, to do that effectively, you must understand which legal defences apply and how to raise them in court. More importantly, you need the right legal team behind you. At Pannu Lawyers, our team has earned its reputation as the Best Criminal Lawyers in Sydney by successfully defending clients across every level of court in NSW.
With that in mind, let’s walk through the key criminal defences available under NSW law—and how we use them to protect our clients.
Self-Defence
To begin with, if someone threatens you, your loved ones, or your property, and you act to defend yourself, you may have a legal right to do so. Self-defence applies when you use reasonable force to stop an immediate threat. Importantly, the court assesses the situation from your perspective at the time—not with the benefit of hindsight.
At Pannu Lawyers, we often build this defence using CCTV footage, witness statements, or expert reports. We leave no room for doubt. That’s why clients trust us as the Best Criminal Lawyers in Sydney for serious assault and violent crime matters.
Duress
Secondly, duress comes into play when someone forces you to commit a crime by threatening serious harm if you don’t. The law recognises that in situations involving extreme pressure, even otherwise law-abiding individuals can be pushed to act unlawfully.
We examine every detail of the threats and their impact on your decision-making. Our job is to demonstrate that a reasonable person in your position would have acted the same way. As the Best Criminal Lawyers in Sydney, we know how to present this defence forcefully in court.
Necessity
Similarly, the defence of necessity applies when you break the law to prevent a greater harm. For instance, you might drive without a licence to escape a life-threatening situation.
Of course, this is not a defence you can raise lightly. We meticulously structure the argument to show you had no safe or lawful alternative. At Pannu Lawyers, we know how to meet the strict legal requirements. That’s what sets the Best Criminal Lawyers in Sydney apart.
Mental Illness
In some cases, a person may not be criminally responsible if, due to mental illness, they couldn’t understand what they were doing or that it was wrong. NSW law doesn’t hold people liable when they lack the mental capacity to understand their actions.
To succeed here, we work hand-in-hand with psychiatrists and psychologists. We don’t just submit medical reports. That’s how the Best Criminal Lawyers in Sydney get results in complex mental health matters.
Automatism
Likewise, automatism applies if you acted without conscious control—perhaps due to a seizure, head trauma, or a neurological episode. While rare, this defence can result in a full acquittal when presented properly.
Our team leaves nothing to chance. We examine your medical background, obtain expert evidence, and confront the prosecution’s arguments head-on. The Best Criminal Lawyers in Sydney know how to win with intricate medical defences like automatism.
Mistake of Fact
At times, people commit offences while operating under a genuine, reasonable mistake. If you believed something to be true—and your belief would make your actions lawful—you may have a valid defence.
For example, if you honestly thought a person had consented to a particular act, and that belief was reasonable, you are not guilty under the law. We’ve used this defence effectively in traffic matters, property offences, and assault cases. The Best Criminal Lawyers in Sydney don’t rely on assumptions—we back your version of events with credible evidence.
Consent
Moreover, consent can be a complete defence in matters involving physical contact—particularly sexual offences and assaults. If the other party consented, or you reasonably believed they did, you haven’t committed a crime.
However, these cases are sensitive and often complex. At Pannu Lawyers, we approach them with strategic care and professionalism. That’s one reason we continue to be recognised as the Best Criminal Lawyers in Sydney.
Lawful Authority or Excuse
Finally, you may be exempt from criminal liability if you acted under legal authority or had a lawful excuse. This often applies to police, security personnel, or civilians carrying out statutory duties.
We don’t stop at stating the law—we show exactly how it protects you. The Best Criminal Lawyers in Sydney use statutory defences with precision and impact.
Final Word: Take Action Now
In conclusion, criminal charges can alter your life forever. Don’t leave your defence to chance or inexperience.
If you’re under investigation or due to appear in court, contact Pannu Lawyers immediately—the firm backed by more than 800 five-star reviews across Sydney. Our results, courtroom strength, and defence strategy have earned us our reputation as the Best Criminal Lawyers in Sydney. Call us now on (02) 9920 1787
Get the defence you deserve. Get Pannu Lawyers on your side—before it’s too late.
