Gangland lawyer Sarah Tricarico no longer has law licence, regulator says

Introduction: Unveiling the Complexity of the Case

The legal landscape in Victoria has recently been marred by a controversial case that has raised eyebrows and sparked debates about the integrity of the justice system. During the appeals process late last year, a judge uncovered a startling revelation: Victoria Police had deceived the state’s justice system by using Nicola Gobbo, a former barrister of Tony Mokbel, as a police informer. This bombshell has sent shockwaves through the legal community, raising questions about the ethical practices of law enforcement and the potential fallout for those involved. This case is not just about one individual but also involves a 33-year-old man from Coburg, who, alongside Sarah Tricarico, a practicing lawyer, has been charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice. Both are currently on bail and are expected to face court this week. The stakes are high, as the maximum penalty for this offence in Victoria is a staggering 25 years’ imprisonment.

Sarah Tricarico: A Lawyer with a Prominent Portfolio

At the heart of this legal storm is Sarah Tricarico, a lawyer who has made a name for herself in the legal circles of Victoria. Tricarico, who established her firm, Sarah Tricarico Lawyers, in 2016, has represented some of the most notorious figures in the underworld. Her client list includes convicted murderer George Marrogi and members of the Haddara, Barbaro, and Tiba crime families. Her firm has been a go-to for individuals involved in serious criminal cases, earning her a reputation as a formidable legal representative. However, her current predicament has cast a shadow over her professional career, raising questions about how a lawyer with such a high-profile clientele could find herself on the wrong side of the law.

The Charges: Attempting to Pervert the Course of Justice

The charges against Sarah Tricarico and the 33-year-old Coburg man are serious. Both have been accused of attempting to pervert the course of justice, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment in Victoria. The specifics of the allegations are still emerging, but the fact that a practicing lawyer is facing such charges is unprecedented. Legal professionals are expected to uphold the law and act with integrity, making this case all the more shocking. The fact that both defendants are currently on bail and are expected to face court this week suggests that the legal process is moving swiftly, and the outcome could have significant implications for both their personal and professional lives.

The Legal Profession: Standards and Accountability

The legal profession is built on trust and integrity. Practising lawyers and barristers in Victoria must hold a practising certificate, which requires them to abide by all industry legislation and codes of practice. This includes providing relevant information to the authorities when required. The government licensing service website clearly outlines these requirements, emphasizing that failure to comply can result in the lapse of one’s registration, especially if the annual renewal fee is not paid. These standards are in place to ensure that legal professionals act in the best interest of justice and maintain the integrity of the legal system. The current case raises questions about whether these standards were adhered to and whether there were any lapses in judgment that led to the charges being laid.

The Broader Implications: Public Trust and Police Conduct

The case has broader implications that go beyond the individual charges against Sarah Tricarico and the Coburg man. The judge’s finding that Victoria Police deceived the justice system by using Nicola Gobbo as a police informer raises serious questions about the conduct of law enforcement agencies. If the police are found to have acted deceitfully, it could erode public trust in the justice system. The use of informers is a controversial topic, and when it involves lawyers, it becomes even more complex. Lawyers are expected to maintain client confidentiality, and any breach of that duty can have far-reaching consequences. The fact that a former barrister was used as a police informer without the knowledge of the justice system is a serious ethical breach that could have implications for past and present cases.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

As the legal process unfolds, the court will delve deeper into the allegations against Sarah Tricarico and the Coburg man, and the conduct of Victoria Police will undoubtedly come under scrutiny. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the legal profession, law enforcement, and the justice system as a whole. The public will be watching closely to see how this case is handled and whether justice is served. In the meantime, Sarah Tricarico’s legal career hangs in the balance, and the reputation of Victoria Police is under a microscope. This case serves as a reminder of the high stakes involved in the justice system and the importance of upholding ethical standards at all levels. The road ahead will be fraught with challenges, but it is through such cases that the resilience and integrity of the legal system are truly tested.