NSW Getting Information on Court Proceedings in Criminal Law?

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JOH

Well-Known Member
10 October 2016
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Hi,

I am a victim of grooming and the police investigation in relation to my case started around 2 months ago. I have been interviewed twice already with regard to new disclosures by me. However, the police do not tell me a lot about anything that is going on, which is quite distressing.

I want to make sure that I know what will happen from here on in, especially with regard to court proceedings so that I can make an informed decision about what I decide to do about the case. As I am a student, I do want to make sure that criminal law court proceedings will not undermine my HSC as well.

So far the 2 main charges laid upon the defendant are:

- Grooming
- Possession of child abuse material

Any response about this would greatly help.

Thank you.
 

Rod

Lawyer
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27 May 2014
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Too many unknowns as to how long the investigation will last. Concentrate on your studies and let the police do their work.

If they are trying to find other victims and gather more evidence it may take some time to press charges against the other person.
 

Lance

Well-Known Member
31 October 2015
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Unfortunately the legal process will take as long as it needs and as Rod said its based on a lot of unknowns and variables. If you want to have a read about the NSW Criminal Law process the link is here.

It's best to let it play out and focus on what you have control of, namely your studies.
 
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Gorodetsky

Well-Known Member
21 February 2016
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Hi JOH,

I think Rod and Lance have given good opinions, but I would recommend you follow up with the police for progress reports on a regular basis, otherwise they have a habit of dropping charges for anything difficult or time consuming.

https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&...CA3Et6wPGWQitrdsA&sig2=_8mwicDKH_s9h1h0xYmI0g

This document tells you how they should be reporting progress to you...

Don't just leave them to it...that equals "victim doesn't care if the offender is prosecuted" in their minds.

Good luck,
 
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JOH

Well-Known Member
10 October 2016
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121
Hi Gorodetsky,

Thank you for your reply and input.

Yes, that does sound like what has happened. They haven't contacted me or given me any feedback for about a month now. What should I do? I can't contact them myself and they seem busy all the time and they don't even keep contact or give updates to the school. What do you suggest I do?

I am trying to just focus on studies but this has affected me greatly and I do want to take part in the process. They haven't even told me what he was charged with, I found out through someone else. When I asked what happened at his mention they said no comment. I don't know what's going on or where everything is headed...
 

Gorodetsky

Well-Known Member
21 February 2016
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Hi JOH,

There is a phone number at the bottom of the document I linked for you...

Call it, tell them the cops on your case are not keeping you informed.

They are trying to brush you off... its a sign they aren't real serious about prosecuting this all the way. They might want to cost the offender some legal fees, so they might drop the charge the day before the hearing.

They aren't representing you, and they can't be bothered with hard or long cases.

You can make a formal complaint about them later, but if you do it now, they'll drop the thing just cause they don't like complaints.

Sorry to bring the bad news.

Regards
 

JOH

Well-Known Member
10 October 2016
27
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121
Yes that is hard to hear Gorodetsky but it's good to know the truth anyway. Yes, I will contact them as well as soon as possible. It is very disheartening that my case is not being taken seriously but what can you do I guess... Thank you for your help and honesty with me. Much appreciated.

Just one more thing, I posted a different question about a false statement, if possible would you be able to give me some input for that? I don't know if it's worth it anymore seeing their attitude towards the case.

Thanks again,
 

Gorodetsky

Well-Known Member
21 February 2016
146
35
519
Hi JOH,

Yeah I read about the false statement... Look, unless it's pivotal to this persons guilt or innocence, it isn't a major factor. If it comes out in a hearing, it may reduce your credibility as a witness (the magistrate will understand you were a little untruthful and bear that in mind with the rest of your testimony).

Just be totally honest for any sworn statements or evidence from here on. The cops almost never prosecute anyone for false statements...unless you make a false statement about a cop.

My wife got assaulted (punched 3x in the head) and the cops dropped it without telling her...she phoned them regularly, was told "it's underway, these things take time"...they had decided to do nothing weeks earlier.

They don't like telling you when they are gonna let it go because victims tend to get pissed off at them for doing that.

Regards
 

JOH

Well-Known Member
10 October 2016
27
0
121
Hi Gorodetsky,

Thank you so much! Honestly I can't thank you enough for all the help and information you have taken the time to provide me. Yes, I'm very sorry to hear that, but it does reveal the pitiful state of the police force at the moment. Again thank you so much!

Thanks,