Raison & Co Lawyers

Raison & Co Lawyers We provide trusted and comprehensive criminal defence services across South Australia.

02/07/2026

This one surprises people, especially those using medicinal cannabis, but in South Australia the law is clear.

If you are driving with a prescribed illicit substance in your system, including THC, you are committing a drug driving offence.

There is no medical exemption for THC.

It does not matter that it was prescribed by your doctor, or that you took it exactly as directed, or that you were using it for a legitimate medical condition.

If THC is detected while you are driving, the offence often stands.

If you are prescribed medicinal cannabis, you need to plan ahead before getting behind the wheel. Not after.

AND if you’ve been charged with drug driving and hold a prescription, get advice early. But be aware: a prescription is not, on its own, a defence.

When it comes to intervention orders, assumptions can have serious consequences.We regularly hear people say:“They invit...
01/07/2026

When it comes to intervention orders, assumptions can have serious consequences.

We regularly hear people say:
“They invited me over.”
“They contacted me first.”
“It’s only a private order.”

None of those things automatically change your legal obligations.

If an intervention order has been made, the conditions set by the court are what matter, not what either person believes or agrees to.

Understanding the rules before you act can be the difference between staying compliant and facing criminal charges.

If you’re subject to an intervention order, or thinking about applying for one, get legal advice early.

30/06/2026

Most people think police can only seize your phone if you’re the one under investigation.

That’s not always the case.

Your phone may be seized if you’re an accused person, a witness, or even a victim in an investigation.

What many people don’t realise is that if your phone is unlocked when it’s seized, there may be no technical barrier preventing police from accessing what’s on it. If evidence of an unrelated offence is found during a lawful examination, that can have consequences of its own.

Your phone contains far more than messages and photos. It holds a significant amount of your personal information, which is why understanding your rights before handing it over is so important.

If police are seeking access to your phone, get legal advice as early as possible.

29/06/2026

You unlocked your phone to show your licence, that officer now has your unlocked device in their hands.

Do you know what’s actually on it?

A lot of drivers in South Australia no longer carry a physical licence. Instead, they open their phone, unlock it, and hand it over to police. In that moment, it’s not just your licence that’s visible.

It’s your messages. Your photos. Your emails. Your apps. Your accounts. Your personal data.

There is no requirement to present your licence this way if you hold a physical card. You can simply carry it, and avoid the risk entirely.

If you rely on a digital licence, it’s worth understanding what access you are actually granting when your device is unlocked in someone else’s hands.

And if your phone is ever seized in an investigation, it’s imperative to get legal advice before you make any decisions.

Can a child actually be charged with a criminal offence? It’s a question most parents never expect to face, until they d...
25/06/2026

Can a child actually be charged with a criminal offence? It’s a question most parents never expect to face, until they do.

In South Australia, children above a certain age can be charged, but the law doesn’t treat them the same as adults.

Courts look beyond the allegation itself. Age, maturity, and prospects for rehabilitation all play a central role in how the matter is approached and resolved.

These situations are often overwhelming for families, and early advice can make a real difference, ensuring your child’s rights are protected and the right approach is taken from the outset.

If you’re unsure where things stand, speaking with a lawyer early can help bring clarity when it’s needed most.

24/06/2026

One of the biggest misconceptions we see about intervention orders is this:

“If they invited me over, it can’t be a breach.”

However, once an intervention order is made, the conditions are set by the court, not by the protected person.

If the order says you can’t contact someone or attend a particular address, those conditions remain in force unless the court changes them. An invitation, text message or phone call from the protected person does not change the order.

We’ve seen people charged because they assumed the other person’s permission made it okay.

If you’re unsure whether you can respond or attend, get legal advice before you act. A quick conversation now could save you from facing criminal charges later.

23/06/2026

A lot of people assume that if the protected person contacts them first, they’re free to respond.

That’s one of the biggest misunderstandings we see.

An intervention order places conditions on the defendant, not the protected person. So if the protected person calls, messages or turns up unexpectedly, it doesn’t automatically mean they’ve done anything wrong.

More importantly, it doesn’t change your obligations under the order.

We’ve seen people end up facing criminal charges because they responded, believing the contact made it okay.

If the protected person is contacting you, don’t assume you’re in the clear. Keep a record of what’s happening and get legal advice before you engage.

Why you should carry your physical licence, and why handing over digital ID can lead to consequences.Here’s some extra i...
22/06/2026

Why you should carry your physical licence, and why handing over digital ID can lead to consequences.

Here’s some extra information on the reel that caught the attention of 1.3 million people, so you can better understand the potential outcomes of this situation.

Many people now rely on digital licences, but handing over an unlocked phone to police can expose far more than just your ID.

Once accessed, your device may reveal personal information unrelated to the reason you were stopped.

A physical licence avoids that risk and keeps the interaction limited to what’s required.

If your phone has already been seized, don’t assume you have to provide passwords, make sure you understand your rights first.

19/06/2026

This is a situation most people don’t think about until they’re in it.

Police may execute a search, make an arrest, and seize a phone in the process. If your phone is unlocked at that moment, the level of access available can change immediately.

An unlocked device may allow access to; messages, photos, emails, apps and personal data.

In most situations, you are not required to assist in providing access beyond what the law compels. Understanding your position before responding can make a real difference.

If your phone has already been seized, advice can still matter.

You may need to understand:
• What access can lawfully be compelled
• What police can and cannot review
• How the process applies in your circumstances

Clear advice early helps you avoid assumptions that may not reflect the law.

05/06/2026

Most people who contact me aren’t familiar with the legal system.

They’ve never had a court date before. Never spoken to a lawyer. Never had to think about what happens next.

That uncertainty is often the hardest part.

At Raison & Co, my focus is on making the process clear from the beginning. When you get in contact, you speak directly with me. You get a straightforward explanation of what you’re facing, an honest assessment of your options, and advice tailored to your circumstances.

I focus on practical guidance about what happens next.

Don’t wait until it escalates, the first step is a conversation.

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150 South Road
Torrensville
5031

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