Kingston Fox Lawyers

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Kingston Fox Lawyers

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Kingston Fox Lawyers are experienced criminal defence lawyers located in Sydney NSW.

18/09/2026

The NSW Government has introduced the Crimes and Other Legislation Amendment (Further Organised Crime Reforms) Bill 2026 to Parliament. If passed, the reforms would target networks using encrypted devices and digital platforms to plan and conceal serious offences.

One of the reforms is to give power to the NSW Crime Commission to require a person to hand over their phone or device upon being handed a summons to attend a hearing, rather than to produce the phone later at the hearing. Refusing to comply would be an offence with a maximum penalty of 4 years imprisonment or a $4,400 fine or both.

The Bill introduces a power for police to seek an Interim Serious Crime Prevention Order, allowing restrictions to be placed immediately on a suspect, to their movements, associations, and use of devices and online platforms while a final order is being sought - all without charge.

Further changes include introducing four more offences into the scheme requiring young people to be tried and sentenced as adults amongst others.

| 02 8360 7811 | www.kingstonfox.com.au

10/09/2026

TESTIMONIAL 📢

💼 Every client deserves a team that explains the process, stands beside them, and works towards the right outcome. So pleased the team could make that experience a reality.

| 02 8360 7811 |www.kingstonfox.com.au

08/09/2026

Being charged with an offence can feel confronting and confusing and it's normal to want to explain yourself immediately. Those early moments are important and slowing things down can help you make good decisions and protect your position.

Aside from giving details to identify yourself, you don't have to answer police questions. Stress can make a person say things that they don't necessarily mean or fully understand and those statements can be used in evidence later. A short call with a criminal defence lawyer can make a real difference.

We support clients through this initial stage every day and can help you make clear, steady decisions.

Key First Steps:
👉 Stay calm
👉 Don't answer questions beyond identification until you've received legal advice
👉 Ask to speak with a criminal defence lawyer.

Need advice?
| 02 8360 7811 | www.kingstonfox.com.au

20/08/2026

How we prepare our matters.

Serious criminal charges require experienced defence lawyers and meticulous preparation. We review police evidence, interview witnesses, anticipate prosecution case theories. Each step, an important stepping stone to achieving the best possible outcome.

We combine attention to detail with strategic thinking. We analyse each matter to identify risks and opportunities. Our approach ensures clients are ready and that every aspect of their case has been considered.

| 02 8360 7811 | www.kingstonfox.com.au

11/08/2026

What will happen at court?

In the Local Court, there are mentions and there are hearings. Mentions are the adminstrative court appearances which lead up to a defended hearing or a sentence hearing. Mentions are less dramatic than people expect, but can still feel intimidating.

The first mention deals with procedural matters like entering pleas, setting further court dates or timetables for service of material by the prosecution.

At Kingston Fox Lawyers, we don't just show up on the day. We walk you through what a mention actually looks like and make sure you know what to expect beforehand, no surprises.

| 02 8360 7811 | www.kingstonfox.com.au

05/08/2026

We're proud to share that Kingston Fox Lawyers was once again named a Leading Criminal Defence Firm in Doyle's Guide for 2026, based on peer nominations from solicitors and barristers practising in criminal law. This marks our 9th consecutive year on this list.

We're also delighted that both partners, Alexandra Sarmed and Erin Hoile, have been individually recognised as Leading Criminal Defence Lawyers this year.

None of this happens without the work of the whole KFL team. This recognition reflects the dedication and care each of the team brings to our clients every day.

Thank you to our clients and colleagues for your continued trust and support.

| kingstonfox.com.au | 02 8360 7811

28/07/2026

NEWS!

A belated welcome to Tim Stern who joins our team with a wealth of experience behind him having previously been employed as solicitor at a busy Sydney criminal law firm.

Tim appears in all criminal matters with a particular focus on local court matters. He appears in defended hearings, sentences, bail applications, ADVO matters, licence appeals and mental health diversion applications.

He is a considered advocate, who focuses on early preparation and strategic case management.

Before commencing legal practice, Tim held senior roles in the public health and community services sector, specialising in mental health.

We're excited to have him join our team!

| 02 8360 7811 | www.kingstonfox.com.au

23/07/2026

TESTIMONIAL 📢

⚖️ Strong results start with strong communication. Alex’s commitment to practical, detailed guidance shines through in feedback like this.

|02 8360 7811 |www.kingstonfox.com.au

09/04/2026

⚖️ Serious Offences in NSW: Understanding How Sentencing Works

If you’ve been charged with a serious criminal offence, it’s common to assume sentencing is predictable or fixed — but in reality, NSW courts have significant discretion. Your personal circumstances, the nature of the offence, and a range of aggravating and mitigating factors all play a role in determining the outcome.

Our article breaks down:
🔹 How sentencing decisions are made
🔹 Aggravating and mitigating factors
🔹 What “standard non‑parole periods” actually mean
🔹 How early guilty pleas affect the final sentence
🔹 Why two similar cases can still result in different outcomes.

Understanding the process is the first step toward preparing the strongest possible defence.

👉 Read the full article on our website — link in bio.

For confidential advice, contact the criminal defence team at Kingston Fox.

| 0457 781 133 | www.kingstonfox.com.au

26/03/2026

Experience matters.

With over 40 years combined experience in criminal law, Erin and Alex bring unmatched knowledge and insight to every matter.

As trusted defence lawyers, and former prosecutors, they know exactly how the system works - and how to get the best possible results for our clients.

| 0457 781 133 | www.kingstonfox.com.au

Address

1/299 Elizabeth Street
Sydney, NSW
2000

Telephone

+61455039707

Website

http://www.kingstonfox.com.au/

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