Mepstead Lawyers

12/05/2025

Every relationship is unique — and so are the divorce options. We’re here to guide you toward the path that fits your situation best.
Contact us on (03) 5941 5166 or email us at [email protected]

24/01/2025

5 Things to Know Before Filing for Divorce
Contact us at 03 5941 5166 or [email protected]

10/01/2025

Expert legal solutions you can trust – Contact us today for professional guidance on Family, Property, Wills & Estates, and Criminal Law!

19/12/2024

Practical advice for parents and families on managing co-parenting, custody arrangements, or divorce issues over the holidays. Because care for you!

26/09/2024

📢Public Holiday Notice📢

Andrews Legal Group is closed today in observance of the public holiday. We will resume normal business hours on Monday. For any urgent enquiries, please contact us at [email protected].

Thank you for your understanding!

25/09/2024

22/09/2024

19/09/2024

An Intervention Order (IVO) is a legally enforceable court order designed to protect individuals and their families from violence or unsafe behavior. In cases of family violence, an IVO can be applied for by the police or the affected person themselves.

Family violence, as defined by the Family Violence Protection Act 2008, encompasses physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, and economic abuse, as well as coercion and control.

An IVO can impose conditions to restrict the perpetrator’s behavior, such as preventing contact or approaching the victim. It is essential to provide detailed information when applying, and breaching an IVO is a criminal offence. At Andrews Legal Group, we can assist you with applying for an IVO and offer guidance on further protective measures for you and your children.

17/09/2024

With over 30 years of experience, our Solicitors have a wealth of knowledge and are here to guide you.

Contact us today at (03) 5941 5166

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15/09/2024

In all criminal trials, the jury plays a crucial role in determining whether the prosecution has proven the accused's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. According to the High Court, a reasonable doubt is one held by the jury as a whole, not by individual jurors.

The judge must instruct the jury that the prosecution bears the burden of proof and that the jury must assess whether this has been achieved based on their collective experience and judgment.

Additionally, the jury is reminded that a reasonable doubt is not an unrealistic or fanciful doubt but one grounded in their assessment of the evidence. If a defence is raised, the prosecution must also disprove it beyond reasonable doubt. If you need legal guidance on criminal trials or jury directions, contact Andrews Legal Group at (03) 5941 5166 for expert assistance.

12/09/2024

In criminal trials, the prosecution carries the burden of proving every element of an alleged offence beyond a reasonable doubt. If legislation is silent on who holds this responsibility, it is presumed to rest with the prosecution.

This fundamental rule means that the prosecution must disprove any defences raised by the accused while maintaining the high standard of proof. Exceptions exist, such as in cases of insanity or where statutes shift the burden to the accused, requiring proof on the balance of probabilities. The *Evidence Act 2008* (Vic) codifies these rules, emphasising that while the prosecution must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt, not every fact relied upon needs to meet this standard. If, after considering all the evidence, there remains a reasonable doubt, the accused must be acquitted.

For expert Criminal Defence representation contact: (03) 5941 5166