thomas woods

Overview

Thomas Woods (LL.M. (Syd)) is an experienced practitioner in the field of criminal law. He has a substantial trial and appeals practice in NSW and interstate. He accepts briefs to prosecute as well as defend and is a member of the CDPP external counsel panel.

Some cases of note:

• Vamadevan v R [2024] NSWCCA 223; 116 NSWLR 195. Appeal against sentence. Interaction between NSW and federal laws concerning intensive correction orders. Crown challenge to the correctness of Chan v R [2023] NSWCCA 206, AM v R [2024] NSWCCA 26 and Khanat v R [2024] NSWCCA 41. Those decisions overruled. No lesser sentence warranted.

• Maksimovic v The State of Western Australia [2024] WASCA 76. Appeal against conviction. Complaint of unreasonable verdict. Appeal dismissed.

• Flower v R; Mafiti v R [2024] NSWCCA 76. Appeal against sentence. Family hardship. Lesser sentence warranted.

• Day v R (No 2) [2023] NSWCCA 312. Appeal against conviction for embezzlement. Miscarriage of justice because of Crown Prosecutor’s closing address to jury. New trial ordered.

• Garcia-Godos v R; MH v R [2023] NSWCCA 145; 309 A Crim R 370. Appeals against conviction. Crown challenge to the correctness of White v R [2022] NSWCCA 241 concerning the test which must be applied in granting leave to withdraw a plea of guilty before conviction. Appeals dismissed.

• Ahmed v R [2021] NSWCCA 280; 106 NSWLR 361. Appeal against conviction for murder following trial by judge alone. Failure to give direction that accused’s silence in court must not be used against him. New trial ordered.

Thomas is listed in the Doyle’s Guide as a recommended Criminal Law Junior Counsel - New South Wales, 2023, 2024 and 2025. He also accepts briefs to advise and appear in other areas including applications for judicial review, commissions of inquiry and disciplinary matters.

He is a member of the Criminal Law Committee of the NSW Bar Association.

For information about his fees or availability, please contact chambers.