Jeremy McGrath Criminal Defence

14/06/2026

Withdrawing or correcting a statement made to NSW Police - Local Court

How do I get charges withdrawn in NSW?

06/06/2026

Domestic Violence: Support payments

A client was falsely accused of stalking his ex-partner. A few weeks later, he was accused by his ex-partner’s daughter (a child) of threatening to kill one of her pets. Then, about a month later, his ex-partner’s son (a child) made a complaint to the police relating to damaging property. The latter two allegations were historical but less than 2 years old.

No charges or convictions resulted from the complaints.

Based on my reading of the eligibility requirements, my client’s ex-partner was eligible to receive up to $15,000 in financial support from the NSW Government.

Not only did my client’s ex-partner threaten his freedom, but she also wasted police resources and had a strong incentive to do so.

Experienced Penrith criminal defence lawyer Jeremy McGrath provides expert representation in bail, AVOs, sentencing, appeals and criminal charges across NSW courts, delivering trusted legal advice

06/06/2026

We are now rated 4.1 by our customers on Trustpilot! trustpilot.com/review/jeremymcgrath.com.au

05/06/2026

Who pays when NSW Police withdraw charges? Hint: It's probably not the police.

Can I get professional costs or a costs order in the local court if the NSW police withdraw the charge?

02/06/2026

Body-worn cameras are essential to building and maintaining trust in NSW Police. It is beyond belief that it took a Four Corners report on police brutality for a policy change to even be considered. Any change must include the use of body-worn cameras by detectives not in uniform.

02/06/2026

I hope the use of body-worn cameras will become compulsory in NSW when the police exercise a power or use force. Body-worn cameras protect everyone, including the police who use them.

NSW Police will move to the mandatory use of body-worn cameras for sworn officers in the wake of allegations of a culture of impunity within the police force.

31/05/2026

What happens when a witness doesn't attend court? Sometimes the charges are withdrawn, but often not. Learn more:

If the victim doesn't attend court, will the charges be withdrawn or dismissed?

30/05/2026

The best strategies for defending a summary hearing involve considerations of proof, reliability and credibility. If your only defence is hope that the victim or other witnesses won't attend court, you need to have a plan "B" and "C" ready to go. Thoroughness and attention to detail are more likely to yield a good result. Read more: https://www.jeremymcgrath.com.au/blog/witnesses-what-happens-when-they-dont-turn-up?utm_content=379006886&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&hss_channel=fbp-106040388619528

29/05/2026

Witnesses: What happens when they don’t turn up? Many of my clients think that if the witness doesn't attend court, the charges will be withdrawn. It is not that simple or straightforward and carries potential risks for an accused person.

If the victim doesn't attend court, will the charges be withdrawn or dismissed?

25/05/2026