These resources are for general information purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for legal advice. If you need to speak to a lawyer, find free legal help »
Court, criminal records and fines
Police complaints and accessing police records
Police powers and searches
Young people, court and police
Women, court and police
Character references in criminal proceedings
Understand why you might need a character reference, what to include, and how to format it.
Criminal Records and Criminal History
What are criminal records, what are convictions, and what are the effect they may have on you.
What to do if you have received a court fine or a penalty notice.
Police complaints and accessing police records
How to make a complaint about NSW Police and how to access police records.
Police powers and searches
Find out more about your rights with police and police powers.
- FAQs about police powers
- Police searches
- Strip searches and your rights
- Enquire about the status of a police investigation (template letter)
- Drug Detection Dogs
- Reporting Crime to NSW Police & Police Discretion to Investigate
- Confiscation of property
- Retaining CCTV footage held by police or a private business (template letter)
- Body-worn video
Police Powers and Drug Searches
If you are stopped and searched by police, it is important to know your rights and what police can and cannot do.
Drugs in NSW – myths and realities
Understand drug possession and drug use laws in NSW, including those related to MDMA, ketamine, ice, cannabis and GHB, bongs, pipes, and needles.
Young people, court and police
Find out more about criminal laws, going to court, the police, or criminal law.
Women, court and police
Women and Sexual Violence Law
This pocket guide provides important information for women and girls who are survivors of sexual violence, and those who support them. It contains information about sexual violence, including:
'Women in Custody' on the Willow website (Women's Legal on the Go)
