<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[michaelconfoslawyer.com.au]]></title><description><![CDATA[Your Trusted Legal Advocate]]></description><link>https://www.michaelconfoslawyer.com.au/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2026 01:33:31 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.michaelconfoslawyer.com.au/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Michael Confos Criminal Lawyer Sydney Social Media Profiles]]></title><description><![CDATA[If f you’re looking for trusted information about criminal law in NSW, follow Michael Confos across his official online platforms. Whether you’re facing criminal charges, supporting a family member, or simply want to understand your legal rights, our website and social media channels provide practical information about criminal law in clear, easy-to-understand language. YouTube – Criminal Lawyer Sydney Our YouTube channel publishes educational videos answering some of the most common...]]></description><link>https://www.michaelconfoslawyer.com.au/post/follow-michael-confos</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a646b0c424f5a9980aab038</guid><pubDate>Sat, 25 Jul 2026 07:53:24 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/290c02_3bf046d1f3ce4774af6012810999b54b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Michael Confos</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Will I Go to Jail for Centrelink Debt?]]></title><description><![CDATA[The short answer is usually no. Simply owing Centrelink money does not automatically mean you will go to jail. Every year, thousands of Australians receive Centrelink debt notices because they have been overpaid benefits, their income has changed, they have made reporting mistakes, or Services Australia has reassessed their entitlement. In most cases, Centrelink simply seeks repayment of the money. A debt does not automatically result in criminal charges or imprisonment. However, there is an...]]></description><link>https://www.michaelconfoslawyer.com.au/post/will-i-go-to-jail-for-centrelink-debt</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a62f52259dc3f2805c4aa47</guid><pubDate>Fri, 24 Jul 2026 05:20:43 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/290c02_356da0e7a37b4b948fa01a88f975a502~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Michael Confos</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Can You Go to Jail for Assault in NSW?]]></title><description><![CDATA[One of the biggest concerns people have after being charged with assault is whether they will go to jail. The short answer is yes, imprisonment is possible, but it is not automatic. Whether a court imposes a prison sentence depends on many factors, including the seriousness of the assault, the injuries caused, your criminal history and your personal circumstances. If you’ve been charged with assault, obtaining legal advice early can make a significant difference to the outcome of your case....]]></description><link>https://www.michaelconfoslawyer.com.au/post/can-you-go-to-jail-for-assault-in-nsw</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5c4f22e447e3bde588c171</guid><pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2026 04:14:37 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/290c02_140824c665ef44ffb7ec0ac65e613b79~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Michael Confos</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Can Assault Charges Be Dropped in NSW?]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you’ve been charged with assault, one of the first questions you may ask is whether the charges can be dropped before your matter goes to court. The answer is sometimes. Assault charges do not automatically proceed to a defended hearing. Depending on the circumstances, charges may be withdrawn by the prosecution, dismissed by the court or resolved in another way. If you’ve been charged with assault, obtaining legal advice as early as possible is important. Michael Confos regularly...]]></description><link>https://www.michaelconfoslawyer.com.au/post/can-assault-charges-be-dropped-in-nsw</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5c4e7be447e3bde588c021</guid><pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2026 04:12:01 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/290c02_509eabca7f01418992ee8ed3f4d4d30b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Michael Confos</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Happens If You Are Charged With Assault in NSW?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Being charged with assault can be frightening, particularly if you’ve never been involved with the criminal justice system before. Many people worry they’ll automatically go to jail or receive a criminal record. The reality is that every assault case is different. The outcome depends on factors such as the nature of the allegations, the available evidence, your criminal history and the circumstances surrounding the incident. If you’ve been charged with assault, obtaining legal advice as early...]]></description><link>https://www.michaelconfoslawyer.com.au/post/what-happens-if-you-are-charged-with-assault-in-nsw</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5c4d87e447e3bde588be7e</guid><pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2026 04:08:13 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/290c02_07e7f2641ad54a1d8dbd8cbe77dc1196~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Michael Confos</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Long Does an AVO Last in NSW?]]></title><description><![CDATA[If an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) has been made against you, one of the first questions you may ask is how long it will remain in force. The answer depends on the type of order made and the circumstances of your case. Some AVOs remain in force for a specified period, while others may be extended or revoked by the court. Until an AVO expires or is revoked, you must comply with every condition of the order. Michael Confos regularly represents clients in AVO matters throughout Sydney and...]]></description><link>https://www.michaelconfoslawyer.com.au/post/how-long-does-an-avo-last-in-nsw</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5c4c65e447e3bde588bcbf</guid><pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2026 04:02:56 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/290c02_5e2d641ddfc8479c84268cc71aac2d79~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Michael Confos</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Can Police Apply for an AVO Without the Victim’s Consent in NSW?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Yes. In New South Wales, police can apply for an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) without the protected person’s consent. This often comes as a surprise to defendants and alleged victims alike. Many people assume that if the protected person does not want an AVO, the matter will simply end. However, where NSW Police believe an AVO is necessary to protect someone’s safety, they may still commence or continue court proceedings. If police have applied for an AVO against you, obtaining legal...]]></description><link>https://www.michaelconfoslawyer.com.au/post/can-police-apply-for-an-avo-without-the-victims-consent-in-nsw</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5c4bf85e7d848635e31d6e</guid><pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2026 04:01:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/290c02_88e1f65fe91642568433495094ca772d~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Michael Confos</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Will an AVO Give Me a Criminal Record in NSW?]]></title><description><![CDATA[One of the most common concerns people have after being served with an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) is whether it will give them a criminal record. In most cases, the answer is no. An AVO is generally a civil court order, not a criminal conviction. However, if you are convicted of breaching an AVO, that is a criminal offence and may result in a criminal record. If you’ve been served with an AVO or charged with breaching one, obtaining legal advice as early as possible is important....]]></description><link>https://www.michaelconfoslawyer.com.au/post/will-an-avo-give-me-a-criminal-record-in-nsw</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5c4b6b5e7d848635e31c86</guid><pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2026 03:58:48 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/290c02_04834c9aabd24fb1ac5fde1c14a7fd7b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Michael Confos</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Do I Need a Lawyer for an AVO in NSW?]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you’ve been served with an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO), you may be wondering whether you need to hire a lawyer. While you are entitled to represent yourself, AVO proceedings can have significant consequences. The decisions you make at an early stage may affect your employment, family arrangements, firearms licence and future legal matters. An experienced criminal lawyer can explain your options, negotiate with police where appropriate and represent you throughout the court process....]]></description><link>https://www.michaelconfoslawyer.com.au/post/do-i-need-a-lawyer-for-an-avo-in-nsw</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5c4b05830cbda37bc0412d</guid><pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2026 03:57:06 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/290c02_5cbbc26d859140c5b7997e7d02b60ab3~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Michael Confos</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Happens at an AVO Hearing in NSW?]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you’ve been served with an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO), you may be required to attend the Local Court. For many people, attending court for the first time can be stressful, particularly if they don’t know what to expect. An AVO hearing gives the court an opportunity to determine whether an Apprehended Violence Order should be made. Depending on your circumstances, your matter may be resolved quickly or proceed to a defended hearing at a later date. If you have an upcoming AVO court...]]></description><link>https://www.michaelconfoslawyer.com.au/post/what-happens-at-an-avo-hearing-in-nsw</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5c4a76e447e3bde588b9ae</guid><pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2026 03:54:49 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/290c02_436a7f1dd00645a990fcc036b763eebf~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Michael Confos</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Can You Defend an AVO in NSW?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Yes. If you disagree with an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO), you have the right to defend the application in court. Many people assume that once police apply for an AVO, there is nothing they can do. That is not correct. If you oppose the application, the court can hear evidence from both parties before deciding whether an AVO should be made. Whether defending an AVO is the right decision depends on your individual circumstances, the available evidence and your personal objectives. Michael...]]></description><link>https://www.michaelconfoslawyer.com.au/post/can-you-defend-an-avo-in-nsw</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5c4898830cbda37bc03d2e</guid><pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2026 03:46:38 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/290c02_fe85ac56b75d421eb51e58652d24c3a2~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Michael Confos</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Can an AVO Be Dropped in NSW?]]></title><description><![CDATA[One of the most common questions people ask after an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) is made is whether it can simply be “dropped.” The answer is sometimes—but not automatically. Many people believe that if the protected person no longer wants the AVO, the matter will simply disappear. In reality, the court ultimately decides whether an AVO should be made, varied or dismissed. If you’ve been served with an AVO or want to know whether it can be withdrawn, obtaining legal advice early is...]]></description><link>https://www.michaelconfoslawyer.com.au/post/can-an-avo-be-dropped-in-nsw</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5c46f65e7d848635e31484</guid><pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2026 03:44:08 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/290c02_78a7fe190762477f9721365146972daa~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Michael Confos</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Happens If You Breach an AVO in NSW?]]></title><description><![CDATA[reaching an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) is a criminal offence in New South Wales. Even if the protected person agrees to the contact or wants to withdraw the AVO, you may still be charged if you breach one of its conditions. Many people mistakenly believe an AVO is “just a piece of paper.” In reality, breaching an AVO can result in arrest, criminal charges, a criminal record and, in serious cases, imprisonment. If you’ve been accused of breaching an AVO, it’s important to obtain legal...]]></description><link>https://www.michaelconfoslawyer.com.au/post/what-happens-if-you-breach-an-avo-in-nsw</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5c45cee447e3bde588b170</guid><pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2026 03:35:09 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/290c02_011e44a89411487c81989261d96ede20~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Michael Confos</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is an AVO in NSW?]]></title><description><![CDATA[An Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) is a court order designed to protect a person who fears violence, intimidation, stalking or harassment from another person. Many people mistakenly believe an AVO is a criminal conviction. In most cases, an AVO is a civil order, not a criminal offence. However, breaching an AVO is a criminal offence and can lead to significant penalties, including imprisonment. If police have applied for an AVO against you or you’ve been served with court documents,...]]></description><link>https://www.michaelconfoslawyer.com.au/post/what-is-an-avo-in-nsw</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5c44a35e7d848635e3104e</guid><pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2026 03:29:52 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/290c02_7a662afc1eea4bd5b09c442acf51ee0c~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Michael Confos</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Can Police Strip Search You for Drugs in NSW?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Being subjected to a strip search by police can be an intimidating and distressing experience. Many people are unsure whether police have the legal authority to require them to remove their clothing during a drug investigation. The answer is yes—but only in limited circumstances. A strip search is one of the most intrusive powers available to police. NSW law imposes strict legal requirements on when and how these searches can be conducted. If those requirements are not followed, the legality...]]></description><link>https://www.michaelconfoslawyer.com.au/post/can-police-strip-search-you-for-drugs-in-nsw</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5c100ae447e3bde5884e0a</guid><pubDate>Sat, 18 Jul 2026 23:45:52 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/290c02_1c7b30119c9d4c1eadb4420e637955c9~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Michael Confos</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Happens If Police Find Drugs in Your Car in NSW?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Finding drugs in your vehicle does not automatically mean you will be convicted of a criminal offence. While police may arrest you or commence criminal proceedings, they must still prove beyond reasonable doubt that you knowingly possessed the drugs. Many people assume that if drugs are found in a car, the driver is automatically responsible. That is not always the case. The prosecution must prove legal possession, which can become more complicated where multiple people have access to the...]]></description><link>https://www.michaelconfoslawyer.com.au/post/what-happens-if-police-find-drugs-in-your-car-in-nsw</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5c0f805e7d848635e2adc1</guid><pubDate>Sat, 18 Jul 2026 23:43:10 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/290c02_a70281a4f6354892849313035324f880~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Michael Confos</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Can Police Search Your Home for Drugs in NSW?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Having police arrive at your home to conduct a search can be an overwhelming experience. Many people are unsure whether police are allowed to enter their property or whether they need a search warrant. The answer depends on the circumstances. While police often require a search warrant to search a home, there are situations where they may lawfully enter and search a property without one. Whether police acted lawfully can become a significant issue if drugs or other evidence are later found....]]></description><link>https://www.michaelconfoslawyer.com.au/post/can-police-search-your-home-for-drugs-in-nsw</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5c0eb5830cbda37bbfd129</guid><pubDate>Sat, 18 Jul 2026 23:40:45 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/290c02_543efefff352459e9ec584f5962defbd~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Michael Confos</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Can Police Search Your Car for Drugs in NSW?]]></title><description><![CDATA[If police stop your vehicle, you may wonder whether they can legally search your car for drugs. The answer is yes—but only where they have lawful authority. Police do not have unlimited powers to search every vehicle they stop. In many situations, they must have a legal basis before conducting a search. Whether a vehicle search was lawful can become a critical issue if drugs or other evidence are later discovered. If you’ve been charged with a drug offence following a vehicle search,...]]></description><link>https://www.michaelconfoslawyer.com.au/post/can-police-search-your-car-for-drugs-in-nsw</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5c0e4f5e7d848635e2ab75</guid><pubDate>Sat, 18 Jul 2026 23:38:04 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/290c02_2f7bfca9395c4216b23e0b4c682afa59~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Michael Confos</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Can Police Search You for Drugs in NSW?]]></title><description><![CDATA[f police stop you in a public place, one of the first questions you may have is whether they are legally allowed to search you. The answer is yes—but only in certain circumstances. Police in NSW cannot randomly search every person they encounter. Generally, they must have a lawful power to conduct the search. Whether the search was lawful can become an important issue if drugs or other evidence are later found. If you’ve been searched by police or charged with a drug offence, obtaining legal...]]></description><link>https://www.michaelconfoslawyer.com.au/post/can-police-search-you-for-drugs-in-nsw</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5c0db0e447e3bde588498a</guid><pubDate>Sat, 18 Jul 2026 23:35:31 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/290c02_338085c6e6cf430c85cea8841f188004~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Michael Confos</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is the Difference Between Drug Possession and Drug Supply in NSW?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Many people assume that if police find drugs in your possession, you will automatically be charged with drug possession. However, depending on the circumstances, police may instead allege drug supply, even if there is no evidence that you sold drugs. Understanding the difference between drug possession and drug supply is important because the offences carry very different penalties and require the prosecution to prove different legal elements. If you’ve been charged with either offence,...]]></description><link>https://www.michaelconfoslawyer.com.au/post/what-is-the-difference-between-drug-possession-and-drug-supply-in-nsw</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5c0d48830cbda37bbfce67</guid><pubDate>Sat, 18 Jul 2026 23:33:30 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/290c02_8972434902e54e2ebaf8ca60eb0d2c9e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Michael Confos</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>