Criminal defence for FIFO and remote workers

Charged while working away?

FIFO and remote workers often have less flexibility than ordinary clients. You may be rostered on, travelling, working offshore, based at a remote site, or unable to attend appointments during normal office hours.

A criminal or traffic matter can affect your ability to work, travel, drive, access site, pass employment checks or keep your income stable.

You need clear advice quickly, especially if your next court date conflicts with your roster or travel plans.

We assist:

• FIFO workers charged in Darwin or elsewhere in the NT
• Remote workers who cannot easily attend appointments in person
• Workers bailed to appear while they are due to be away
• People worried about site access, driving, licensing, income or employment consequences
• Workers needing quick advice before returning to site, leaving Darwin or attending court

Common matters for FIFO and remote workers

KE Roussos and Associates can assist with Local Court criminal and traffic matters, including drink driving, drug possession, assault allegations, domestic violence-related charges, public order offences, property offences, bail breaches and offences alleged to have occurred while travelling, socialising, working away or returning from site.

If your job depends on driving, travel, site access or passing checks, get advice before assuming the matter is minor.

We can take instructions remotely

You do not necessarily need to wait until you are back in Darwin to speak with a lawyer. In many matters, we can take initial instructions by phone, email or video appointment.

You can send us your notice to appear, bail undertaking, charge documents, police paperwork or court documents electronically. We can then advise you on the process, your options, and whether your attendance is likely to be required at the next stage.

Flexible around rosters, travel and working away

FIFO and remote work creates real scheduling problems. Court dates may conflict with swings, flights, site requirements or employer expectations.

Where possible, we can help you understand whether an adjournment, early resolution, remote instructions or other practical step may be available. The earlier we are contacted, the more options there may be.

Protecting your work position where possible

For many FIFO and remote workers, the biggest concern is not only the court penalty. It is whether the matter affects employment, driving, site access, contract requirements, travel, income or reputation.

We will give you practical advice about the likely process and work toward an outcome that minimises unnecessary disruption where the facts and law allow.

Bailed to appear in Darwin, Nhulunbuy, Groote Eylandt or another NT court?

If you have been bailed or summonsed to appear in an NT court, send us your paperwork as early as possible. We can advise you on the next step and whether representation can be arranged for your court date.

Do not leave it until the day before court, especially if you are working away or need to travel.

Get advice before you go back to site

If you are about to leave Darwin, return to a remote site, start a swing or travel interstate, get advice now. Waiting can reduce your options and create avoidable stress around court attendance, documents and preparation.

A short call early is better than a rushed decision later.