Leading Domestic Violence Defence Lawyers Sydney

Facing a domestic violence charge or AVO? Our specialist Sydney lawyers provide urgent legal advice and a powerful defence to protect your rights and your future.

We defend you with precision, experience and compassion – available 24/7 when you need us most.

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Expert Defence for Domestic Violence & AVO Charges

Being accused of domestic violence is a serious and stressful experience. A domestic violence charge or an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) can have profound consequences, affecting your family, employment, and future.

At Daoud Legal: Sydney Criminal Defence & Traffic Lawyers, our experienced domestic violence lawyers provide robust legal representation across the full spectrum of domestic and family violence matters, including:

What is a Domestic Violence Offence in NSW?

In NSW, a criminal charge is classified as a domestic violence offence based on the relationship between the accused and the complainant. Governed by the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 (NSW), this specialised area of criminal law applies when a personal violence offence occurs within a defined domestic relationship.

The law defines a ‘domestic relationship’ very broadly. It extends beyond current or former spouses and de facto partners to include other family members, such as parents or siblings, and even individuals who live or have previously lived in the same household. This wide scope means a family violence charge can arise from many different personal situations.

An allegation can lead to a serious domestic violence charge and an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (AVO), making it essential to seek legal advice from an experienced criminal lawyer to understand your rights and options.

Types of Domestic Violence Offences in NSW

The legal definition of a domestic violence offence in NSW is broad and covers a wide range of behaviours beyond physical assault. An act can be considered a family violence offence if it is intended to intimidate, control, or cause fear in a person with whom you have a domestic relationship.

Our experienced domestic violence lawyers provide expert legal representation for all related criminal law matters, including:

Common Assault: Any act of unwanted physical contact or threat of violence.
Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (ABH): An assault that results in an injury more serious than a fleeting pain.
Stalking and Intimidation: A pattern of behaviour, including following, watching, or contacting someone to cause them to fear for their safety.
Breaching an AVO: Contravening any condition of an Apprehended Violence Order.
Property Damage: Intentionally or recklessly damaging property belonging to a person in a domestic relationship.
Using a Carriage Service to Menace or Harass: Using a phone, the internet, or social media to threaten or seriously offend someone.

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How We Handle Your Domestic Violence Case

When you’re facing a domestic violence charge, time and strategy matter. At Daoud Legal, we take immediate, decisive action to protect your rights and build the strongest possible defence from the outset.

1. Immediate Legal Support – As soon as you contact us, we assess your situation and explain your options in plain language. Our lawyers can appear urgently in court, make bail applications, and ensure your rights are protected from the very first step.

2. Evidence Review & Case Strategy – We obtain and analyse the full brief of evidence to identify weaknesses, inconsistencies or procedural errors. We then develop a tailored defence strategy built around the specific facts of your case.

3. Negotiation & Charge Review – Where appropriate, we engage directly with NSW Police and prosecutors to seek the withdrawal or reduction of charges before the matter proceeds to hearing. Many cases can be resolved early through strong negotiation and detailed legal representations.

4. Court Representation – If your case proceeds to hearing or trial, you’ll have an experienced defence team representing you at every stage. Our lawyers and instructed barristers fiercely advocate to protect your reputation and achieve the best possible outcome.

5. Ongoing Support & Guidance – Domestic violence matters are often deeply personal and stressful. We keep you informed throughout the process, providing clear updates, honest advice and compassionate support from start to finish.

When Should You Call a Domestic Violence Lawyer?

If you’re facing a domestic violence charge, it’s vital to seek expert legal advice immediately. The earlier you contact a lawyer, the stronger your defence can be. Speaking with an experienced domestic violence lawyer in Sydney as soon as you become aware of police involvement gives you the best chance to protect your rights and minimise the impact on your future.

Early legal intervention can help:

prevent you from making statements that may harm your defence
preserve key evidence and witness accounts
challenge or vary Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs)
negotiate with police or prosecutors before charges are finalised
prepare you for what to expect at your first court appearance.

With expert legal guidance and support it is possible to avoid a conviction and the harshest penalties. If you’ve been accused, contacted by police or served with an ADVO, call Daoud Legal immediately on (02) 9188 0999.

Our Sydney domestic violence lawyers are available 24/7 to provide urgent advice, strong legal representation and a free initial strategy session to help you understand your options.

Robert Daoud

Principal Lawyer

We build a powerful & proactive defence from the very beginning. We prepare & identify every weakeness in the prosecution’s case to secure your defence.

Our lawyers are your fierce advocates, both in & out of the courtroom. We are committed to protecting your rights, your future, and your peace of mind with fearless representation.

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Have Sydney's Best Criminal Lawyers On Your Side

When you face a domestic violence charge, having a formidable legal team in your corner is not a luxury – it’s a necessity. At Daoud Legal: Sydney Criminal Defence & Traffic Lawyers, our reputation for relentless advocacy and strategic excellence is why we are consistently involved in significant, high-profile cases.

Our work, often highlighted by the media, demonstrates our commitment to every client. We apply the same level of tenacity and expert skill to your case, ensuring you feel protected and have a clear path forward.

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Why Choose Daoud Legal: Sydney Domestic Violence Lawyers

When you engage Daoud Legal, you gain a team committed to protecting your rights with professionalism, empathy and skill. We’re not general practitioners, we’re specialists in criminal law, focused solely on achieving the best possible outcome for every client. From your first call to the final result, you’ll have clarity, confidence, and experienced defence on your side.

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Penalty Reduction Achieved

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Client Satisfaction Rate

A WINNING RECORD

With a 99% success rate, we have a proven history of winning domestic violence cases. We focus on having charges dropped, securing 'not guilty' verdicts, and protecting our clients from criminal convictions.

EXPERT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LAWYERS

Our senior lawyers bring over 40 years of combined experience exclusively in criminal law. Their deep understanding of NSW domestic violence law and courtroom strategy gives you a significant advantage.

URGENT STRATEGY SESSION & 24/7 HELP

We offer a free, urgent and Strategy Session to assess your case and outline your defence options. Our team is available 24/7 because immediate legal advice is vital when your liberty is at stake.

FIXED-FEE CERTAINTY

We believe you deserve clarity from the start. For most domestic violence matters, we provide upfront fixed-fee quotes so you can make informed decisions without worrying about hidden costs.

STRATEGIC, PERSONALISED DEFENCE

No two domestic violence cases are the same. We examine every detail from statements to evidence, to build a precise, tailored defence focused on securing the best possible outcome for your situation.

CLEAR, HONEST COMMUNICATION

These cases can be deeply personal and emotionally charged. We take the time to explain each step in plain language, keep you updated, and ensure you feel supported and understood throughout the process.

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FAQs

What is considered a domestic violence offence in NSW?

A domestic violence offence is any personal violence crime committed against someone with whom you have a ‘domestic relationship’. This is defined very broadly under the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 (NSW) and includes not just partners or spouses, but also family members and people who live in the same household. The offence can range from physical assault to stalking, intimidation, or property damage.

Does domestic violence only include physical abuse?

No. Domestic violence law in NSW covers a wide range of behaviours beyond physical harm. This includes psychological and emotional abuse, financial abuse, stalking, intimidation, and damaging property. Any behaviour intended to coerce, control, or cause fear within a domestic relationship can lead to a criminal charge.

What is the difference between common assault and assault occasioning actual bodily harm?

Common assault involves an act of physical contact or a threat of violence without the consent of the other person. Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH) is more serious and involves an assault that causes an injury that is more than just momentary pain, such as significant bruising, scratches, or cuts.

What does the prosecution have to prove in a domestic violence case?

In a domestic violence case, the prosecution must prove each element of the offence beyond reasonable doubt. This includes:

Domestic relationship: establishing that a domestic relationship existed between the accused and the complainant.
Offence committed: providing evidence that the alleged act occurred.
Intent or recklessness: depending on the charge, proving intent, recklessness, or knowledge that the conduct caused fear or harm.

If the prosecution cannot prove any element beyond reasonable doubt, the court must return a verdict of not guilty.

Our Sydney domestic violence lawyers and instructed barristers regularly appear in court to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and expose weaknesses in their case. We provide a clear appraisal of your matter so you understand its strengths, risks, and the best defence strategy moving forward.

What happens when you are charged with domestic violence?

After being charged, police will decide whether to grant you bail or hold you in custody until you can appear in court. You will then have to attend court and enter a plea of ‘guilty’ or ‘not guilty’. This process is complex and can be daunting, which is why having an experienced criminal lawyer to represent you from the very beginning is essential.

Can I get bail if I am charged with a domestic violence offence?

Securing bail can be challenging for a domestic violence offence, as the court and police are often cautious. An experienced criminal lawyer is essential to prepare and present a strong bail application. The lawyers at Daoud Legal: Sydney Criminal Defence & Traffic Lawyers can provide urgent representation in the Local, District, and Supreme Courts to fight for your release from custody.

What are the common defences to a domestic violence charge?

There are several legal defences that may apply to a domestic violence charge. These can include self-defence (acting to protect yourself, another person, or your property), duress (being forced to commit the act), or necessity. In some cases, the allegation may be entirely false. An experienced domestic violence lawyer can assess the evidence in your case and advise on the strongest available defence.

What happens at a domestic violence hearing or trial?

A domestic violence hearing or trial follows a structured process in court:

Plea Confirmation: The court confirms your plea of guilty or not guilty.
Prosecution Case: The prosecution presents its evidence and calls witnesses to prove the charge beyond reasonable doubt.
Cross-Examination: Your defence lawyer challenges the prosecution’s evidence through detailed cross-examination.
Defence Evidence: The defence may call witnesses or present evidence to support your case.
Submissions: Both sides make final legal submissions summarising their arguments.
Verdict: The magistrate or judge delivers a verdict of guilty or not guilty based on the evidence and submissions.

Having an experienced and respected defence team is critical at this stage. Our Sydney domestic violence lawyers have decades of experience successfully defending clients in NSW courts and know how to present your case with precision and strength

Do I have to go to jail for a domestic violence offence?

While imprisonment is a possible penalty for serious domestic violence offences, it is not automatic and is typically reserved for the most severe cases. A specialist domestic violence lawyer can prepare a strong case for sentencing to persuade the court to consider alternatives, such as a fine, a Community Correction Order, or a non-conviction order like a Section 10 dismissal.

What are the penalties for Domestic Violence Offences in NSW?

The maximum penalties for common domestic violence charges are outlined below.

Offence	Maximum Penalty
Common Assault	2 years imprisonment and/or a $2,200 fine
Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm	5 years imprisonment
Reckless Wounding	10 years imprisonment (14 years if in company)
Stalk or Intimidate	5 years imprisonment and/or a $5,500 fine
Contravene AVO	2 years imprisonment and/or a $5,500 fine

Penalties for Destroying or Damaging Property

Intentionally or recklessly destroying or damaging property belonging to a person within a domestic relationship is a serious offence. The maximum penalty in the Local Court is determined by the monetary value of the damage.

Value of Property	Maximum Penalty (in Local Court)
More than $5,000	2 years imprisonment and/or an $11,000 fine
$5,000 or less	12 months imprisonment and/or a $5,500 fine
$2,000 or less	A fine of up to $2,200

What is a Section 10 dismissal?

A Section 10 dismissal is a type of sentence where the court finds you guilty of an offence but dismisses the charge without recording a criminal conviction. Achieving this outcome for a domestic violence offence requires persuasive legal arguments about your character, the circumstances of the offence, and why a conviction is not necessary.

What is an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO)?

An Apprehended Domestic Violence Order, or ADVO, is a court order made to protect a person from another person within a domestic relationship. It sets out specific conditions that the person named in the order must follow, such as not assaulting, threatening, stalking, or intimidating the protected person. It is a civil order, not a criminal charge.

Will an ADVO give me a criminal record?

An ADVO itself is not a criminal conviction and will not appear on your criminal record. However, if you breach any of the conditions listed in the AVO, you will face a separate criminal charge for contravening the order. A conviction for breaching an AVO will result in a criminal record and can carry serious penalties, including imprisonment.

Will my domestic violence case be made public or appear online?

Most domestic violence cases are heard in open court, which means they can technically be reported publicly. However, NSW law restricts the publication of identifying details in matters involving domestic violence to protect the privacy of those involved.

In some circumstances, your lawyer can also apply for a non-publication or suppression order to prevent sensitive information from being disclosed. Our Sydney domestic violence lawyers will explain what protections apply in your situation and guide you through the process to safeguard your privacy wherever possible.

How will a domestic violence charge affect my family law case?

A domestic violence charge or AVO can have a severe impact on family law proceedings, particularly those involving children. Under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), the court’s primary concern is the safety of children, and any history of family violence must be considered when making parenting orders. This can affect your ability to spend unsupervised time with your children.

Will a domestic violence conviction affect my employment?

A conviction for a domestic violence offence will result in a criminal record, which can have serious consequences for your employment. It may appear on a national police check, potentially affecting your current job or future career prospects, especially if your role requires a Working with Children Check or a firearms licence.

My partner wants to withdraw their statement. Can domestic violence charges be dropped?

It’s a common misconception that domestic violence charges are automatically dropped if your partner withdraws their statement. Even if they no longer wish to proceed, NSW Police can continue with the case if other evidence supports a conviction.

However, charges can be withdrawn before a final hearing with early, strategic legal action. Our Sydney domestic violence lawyers regularly negotiate with police and prosecutors, reviewing the evidence to expose weaknesses or procedural issues and preparing strong representations for withdrawal. Every case is unique, but prompt expert advice often leads to the best outcome.

Why should I choose a specialist domestic violence (DV) lawyer?

Domestic violence law is a complex and specialised area of criminal law. A specialist lawyer understands the specific legislation, court processes, and effective defence strategies. The team at Daoud Legal: Sydney Criminal Defence & Traffic Lawyers focuses exclusively on criminal and traffic law, bringing over 40 years of combined experience to achieve the best possible results in these sensitive matters.

What happens during a free strategy session with your firm?

Our free, no-obligation strategy session provides you with urgent legal advice from a senior criminal lawyer. We will listen to your side of the story, assess the details of your domestic violence charge or AVO, explain your legal options, and outline a clear and powerful defence strategy tailored to your specific case.