Canberra · Areas we serve
Criminal defence lawyer for Woden and Weston Creek.
Woden and Weston Creek sit in Canberra's south. Their criminal matters are heard in the ACT Magistrates Court and Supreme Court in the city, and Aaron Kernaghan appears for people across the district.
- RegionWoden & Weston CreekCanberra district
- CourtCityMagistrates and Supreme Court
- Local policeWoden StationInvestigating station
- Direct line0421 717 019Confidential
Where your matter is heard.
Woden and Weston Creek are served by the Woden police station, and their matters are heard in the ACT Magistrates Court in the city, with serious matters committed to the ACT Supreme Court.
Wherever you live in Canberra, ACT criminal matters are heard centrally. Summary matters and the first stages of serious matters are dealt with in the ACT Magistrates Court in the city, and serious indictable matters are tried in the ACT Supreme Court next door. There is no local court in each district, and no District Court in the ACT, so the court you attend is the same wherever the charge arises.
Matters that come up in Woden.
Matters from the district include driving and drink driving, assault, fraud and, at the serious end, indictable matters tried in the Supreme Court. Because Woden is home to many public servants, employment and clearance consequences are often in play, and a matter is run with those in mind.
What to do if you are charged.
The first steps are the same everywhere. Say nothing to police about the substance until you have advice, and use your right to silence. Get the bail position right at the first appearance, because a refusal is hard to undo. And get the brief read early, so the real strengths and weaknesses of the case are known before any decision about a plea. A confidential first call sets all of that in motion.
Frequently asked.
Is there a court in Woden?
No. Woden and Weston Creek matters are heard in the ACT Magistrates Court in the city, with serious matters committed to the ACT Supreme Court.
Do you take matters from Woden and Weston Creek?
Yes. Aaron Kernaghan appears for people across the Woden and Weston Creek district in the ACT Magistrates Court and Supreme Court.
Can I keep a conviction off my record?
In the right case, yes. Under s 17 of the Crimes (Sentencing) Act 2005 (ACT) the court can deal with a matter without recording a conviction, which can protect employment, travel and a security clearance. That matters a great deal for public servants.
Charged in Woden or nearby?
A confidential first conference. The brief is read. The realistic options are set out. Speak to Aaron Kernaghan directly before you decide anything.
Request a confidential consult 0421 717 019