Criminal Law
Proven Track Record
- Successfully defended 7 out of 8 murder cases in South Africa (1988-1989)
- Extensive experience in various criminal matters across multiple jurisdictions
- Successful defense record in NSW District Court proceedings
- Specialist in pleas in mitigation and sentencing
South African Experience
Between 1988 and 1989, prior to the abolition of the death penalty, Judy Swan represented eight different clients in murder cases as a barrister. Her exceptional success rate saw seven clients acquitted of all crimes, with one receiving only a common assault conviction. This remarkable achievement led to her focusing almost exclusively on criminal law in South Africa from 1989 to 1994.
Australian Practice
After moving to Australia, Judy continued her criminal law practice at Holman Webb. Her work in the NSW District Court has been marked by successful defenses and effective advocacy, maintaining her record of keeping clients from custodial sentences.
Specialisation in Sentencing
Judy's particular strength lies in pleas in mitigation - the art of sentencing submissions. She excels at presenting mitigating factors that help judicial officers understand the full context of each case, consistently achieving lighter sentences for her clients.
Notable Cases
In September 2015, as reported in The Australian newspaper, Judy successfully advocated for a mother who attempted to obtain false passports for her children following adverse family court orders. Her skilled representation helped the client avoid a custodial sentence, demonstrating her ability to achieve favorable outcomes in challenging cases.
Our Criminal Law Services
- Defense in serious criminal matters
- Sentencing and pleas in mitigation
- District Court representations
- Local Court appearances
- Bail applications
- Appeals
- Legal advice and consultation
- Case strategy development