This is a case study on family violence in Broadmeadows involving charges that resulted in a financial penalty.
What is alleged to have occurred?
Our client was facing charges relating to non-fatal strangulation and possessing a controlled weapon charge. The victim was married to our client and they had a prolonged argument over several hours. The argument became physical and our client called the police immediately and complied with all directions.
During police attendance, our client directed the police to a gel blaster / paint ball type gun. This had led to the weapons charge as our client did not have the relevant licences to hold such a weapon.
It must be noted that the client also immediately sought psychological support after this incident and continued to engage with this support throughout proceedings.
What happened at court?
Our lawyer provided legal representation at the Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court.
We engaged in further negotiations with the prosecution at court to resolve the charges to unlawful assault and possessing a controlled weapon. Our client then provided instructions to enter a plea of guilty.
The seriousness of the charge was clear, particularly as it occurred in the circumstances of family violence. An order such as a Community Correction Order or possibly a term of imprisonment was within range. These sentences would have been particularly difficult for our client who had lost their job through the course of the proceedings, was attempting to start their own small business, and whose partner was pregnant with the their first child after several medical difficulties.
Having conditions would have affected our client’s ability to provide for their growing family and support their partner through the early stages of a difficult pregnancy.
Our client was also concerned what impact these orders would have on their ability to travel overseas to see their partner’s family. At Court, our lawyer explained our client’s personal circumstances and the prosecution’s case, including that the victim had been vocal in their disapproval of the proceedings continuing.
Our lawyer was able to tender medical material that confirmed our client to have engaged with psychological support immediately after the incident. This allowed the client to emphasise the importance of their rehabilitation.
What was the result of this case of family violence in Broadmeadows?
Ultimately, the Magistrate sentenced our client to a fine of $2,500 with conviction. Our client was able to walk away from Court and return to their family and business.
DISCLAIMER: This is a real case study of an actual case from our files. Details pertaining to the client have been changed to protect their privacy. The sentence imposed and the charge have not been altered. These case studies are published to demonstrate real outcomes and give an indication of possible tariffs in Court. We do not guarantee a similar case on these charges will get the same result. Please note that we post results at our discretion, therefore while many case studies are average results, others are notable for their exceptional outcomes. PUBLISHED 29/04/2025
