Driving offence matters are becoming increasingly complex. Beyond low-level driving offences you may now be grappling with medicinal cannabis offences, complex forensic evidence including digital data and serious driving prosecutions carrying significant criminal consequences. Through these practical insights you will focus on the advocacy, evidentiary and strategic issues that you will encounter, providing you guidance from leading advocates on how to prepare, defend and resolve these matters effectively for your clients.

Presenters

Justin Wong, Principal Lawyer, Streeton Lawyers
Accredited by the Law Society of NSW as a Specialist in Criminal Law, Justin has acted in some of the most serious and high profile criminal prosecutions including large commercial drug supply offences, murder, attempted murder, sexual assault, passport and identity fraud and importation offences. Justin has appeared for clients at ICAC. Justin was previously a Senior Criminal Lawyer at Sydney's largest criminal defence firm. Earlier, he was a lawyer with the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, prosecuting large drug importation and supply syndicates as well as fraud offences (including Centrelink fraud), child pornography, money laundering and Customs importation offences. In addition to the larger District Court work, Justin appears on a daily basis in the Local Court, defending people charged with traffic related offences, assaults, drug offences, fraud and domestic violence or AVO related matters. He also appears in the Children's Court. Justin lectures at the Traffic Offenders Program.

Carol Younes, Partner, Hugo Law Group
Carol is an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law and founding partner of Hugo Law Group, one of Sydney’s leading criminal defence firms. In 2025, Carol was recognised in the Doyles Guide rankings for Sydney criminal lawyers, as the Market Leader. She has also previously been nominated for Criminal Law Partner of the Year in the Lawyers Weekly Awards. Carol appears in the superior and appellate courts in some of the most notorious criminal cases representing clients charged with murder, serious sex offences, complex frauds, tax evasions, drug manufacture, supply and importation, and terrorism offences. She also appears in complex hearings, sentence proceedings and bail applications. In addition to the work Carol does as a criminal lawyer, she also heads a team of lawyers who appear in inquests and enquiries and who represent individuals bringing claims against the State for unlawful arrests, malicious prosecutions and other intentional torts. Carol recognises the need to always think two steps ahead and to ensure her clients are making the right decisions early on. She is best known for her persuasive advocacy, strategic thinking and determination to win every case. She understands the need to help her clients navigate their way through what is often one of the most challenging times in their life.

Andrew Tiedt, Trial Advocate - Criminal Law, Armstrong Legal
Andrew is a Director and Principal of J Sutton Associates. He is a Law Society of NSW Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law. Andrew has acted for thousands of clients who have been accused of criminal offences, including appearing for persons charged with murder, sexual offending, fraud, serious driving offences, drug supply and possession, violence, and internet-based offences. He is an experienced trial advocate and frequently appears without counsel in indictable matters, including jury trials. Andrew has been recommended by the Doyle’s Guide for both criminal and traffic law since 2019. Andrew is also the curator of the popular reference website www.trialdirections.com.au

Amanda Pappas, Principal Lawyer, Pappas & Roberts Lawyers
Amanda is passionate about advocating for your rights and making sure your story is heard. Amanda is an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law, and since 2014, has worked at some of Sydney’s top defence firms. She regularly appears in Courts across Australia, from the High Court of Australia to the Supreme, District, and Local Courts of New South Wales. Over the years, Amanda has worked with people at some of the most difficult moments in their lives, when their freedom, reputation and future were on the line. What she has learned is that quality legal representation is not just about knowing the law. It's about listening, dedication and meticulous preparation. It’s about standing up when others stay silent, fighting with integrity, and delivering when it matters most. As a member of the NSW Law Society’s Accredited Criminal Law Specialist Committee, Amanda brings expertise and a personalised commitment to every case she takes on. When it matters most, she is right by your side, protecting your rights and defending your future.

John Sutton, Director, John Sutton Associates
John is the Principal of John Sutton Law. He is a Law Society of NSW Accredited Specialist in criminal law, the only one in Orange and one of three on the Central West. Prior to setting up John Sutton Law, John was one of the Directors of J Sutton Associates based in Sydney, and before that the national practice director of a major law firm and the national executive director of criminal law with staff in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, and, for a period, in Perth. John commenced his legal work as a police officer for the Metropolitan Police Force in London. In 1992, he joined the NSW Police Force and spent many years as a police prosecutor. He commenced private practice, mainly in criminal law, in 1999. In 2005, John worked in the Victorian Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, prosecuting corrupt Victoria Police Drug Squad officers, in what was known as the Underbelly Drug Wars. John has now moved to the Central West of NSW with a practice based in Orange and surrounds. Over his legal career, John has advised thousands of clients on criminal and criminal related matters.

Aaron Roberts, Principal Lawyer, Pappas & Roberts Lawyers
Aaron Roberts is an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law and a Principal Lawyer at Pappas & Roberts Lawyers in Sydney. Since 2016, Aaron has practised exclusively in criminal defence, working with some of Sydney’s leading firms and developing a reputation for his sharp legal insight, detailed preparation, and persuasive advocacy. He has appeared in all jurisdictions across New South Wales, as well as instructing in matters in the Federal Court and the High Court of Australia.