Faq
Questions
How can I get legal advice and attend Court during covid-19?
Slink & Keating is offering in-person consultations (subject to Government Restrictions), zoom/webex/FaceTime/skype calls and telephone calls.
Court is conducted at present mostly remotely without having to attend Court in-person. In special circumstances, you can attend Court. If you have not got access to the technology required, you can attend our office for the purpose of Court. alternatively you can appear from home work or any other quiet place via the Online Magistrates’ Court.
Please note, given the nature of covid-19 restrictions, please call our office to ensure this is the most up-to-date advice.
Who is who at Court?
Defence lawyers are who represent you and give you advice. That’s us!
You may be referred to as ‘The Accused’.
The Magistrate or Judge is the person who decides your case. They are referred to as ‘You Honour.’
The person sitting below the Magistrate or Judge is the clerk. They organise the Courtroom and call each matter.
The Prosecutor is the person representing the Police. They will read the allegations against you.
What time should I arrive at Court?
You should contact your lawyer before Court to discuss your arrival time.
At present, most hearings are being conducted by Webex (over the internet). Generally, you will be provided with a link and a specific time of your hearing. You should click this link at the allocated time. Alternatively, you will be advised to attend our office and/or Court at a specific time.
What should I wear to Court?
You should dress appropriately for Court. A good example is what you’d wear to visit your elderly grandmother … no offensive words on t-shirts, bathers or revealing tops!
My case is called a ‘Mention’, what’s that?
Your case will progress through a number of different hearings, depending on whether your case is a criminal case and the seriousness of the charges, a DHHS case or an Intervention Order. Call us to discuss your specific circumstances!
Do I have to say anything at Court?
Generally, we will say everything on your behalf. Sometimes a Judge or Magistrate may like to speak directly to you. We will discuss this with you prior to your court date.
What will I be sentenced to?
The sentencing hierarchy ranges from Diversion and Good Behaviour Bonds (Undertakings) to monetary Fines, Community Corrections Orders and lastly imprisonment.What you will be sentenced to will depend on your individual circumstances. Contact us to discuss.
How does the Magistrate/Judge decide what I get?
The Magistrate or Judge is required to weigh up the factors put on your behalf by your lawyer, with the alleged offending. It is important to contact us as soon as possible. This will enable us to prepare your case and therefore put your circumstances to the Magistrate/Judge fully. This may include us obtaining a psychological report or other medical reports where suitable.
How will a solicitor help me at Court?
By having a solicitor from Slink & Keating you will be represented by a solicitor who has specialised knowledge in the area. This may make a huge difference in what sentence you are given, whether you lose your drivers licence and whether you receive a conviction on your record.
Where do I pay my Fine?
Most fines are now payable directly to Fines Victoria.
What is a Community Corrections Order?
A Community Corrections Order is a sentence that can both punish and treat an offender. Community Correction Order’s can include community work, treatment for drug and alcohol abuse, treatment for mental health, offending behaviour programs, curfews, non-association clauses, Mens Behaviour Change Programs, Road Trauma Awareness courses, a restriction on geographical areas etc. They are tailored towards what an Offender needs in the community.
It is important that if you are sentenced to a Community Corrections Order that you do not reoffend whilst you are on the Order and that you attend your Corrections requirements. If you commit a jailable offence or do not attend your appointments, you will be in breach of your Order and can receive up to 3 months imprisonment for this breach and be re-sentenced on the original charges, which you got the Community Corrections Order for. You should contact us if you are served with a Breach of your Community Corrections Order.
My Friend/Family member has just been arrested, what do I do?
If someone you know has been arrested and taken into custody you should call us immediately. We will then contact the Police Station where they are being held, advise them on their rights and options during the record of interview. A bail application or other application can be prepared when necessary. A solicitor from Slink & Keating is available to give free advice during office hours or after hours on 0481 988 003.
I have been served with an Intervention Order, but I don’t want it, what can I do?
Contact us immediately! It is very important that if you have been served an ‘Interim’ Order or a ‘Safety Notice’ that you comply with this. Do not delay in contacting us!
My children have just been taken by DHHS, what can I do?
Contact our solicitors, who are experts in Child Protection. Child protection. We are available during office hours on 03 9791 7699 or after hours on 0481 988 003.
The Police have left a card/just turned up at my house, what should I do?
We highly recommend you contact one of our lawyers at Slink & Keating. Advice can be given on your legal rights. This advice could make the difference between being charged or not and can make a difference to the outcome of your case!
What should I say in a police interview?
The police can either ask you to come into the station for the purpose of an interview or they can arrest you for this purpose. You should insist on speaking to your lawyer prior to beginning the interview. Once the interview starts, you can also ask that you speak to your lawyer again, for additional advice. You have a number of options during your interview, including making a ‘comment’ or ‘no comment interview’. Timely advice on which option is most appropriate for you is imperative – anything you say in the interview, can be used against you later! What you should do depends on your case specifically.
I am on Centrelink but I need legal representation - help!
At Slink & Keating, we want to assist you, no matter what your financial situation may be! We offer Legal Aid funding (where eligibility criteria is met) and/or private fees to ensure you can receive the legal representation that you require! Reduced fees are available in certain circumstances.
Can you be sentenced but not receive a ‘conviction’?
Yes – please call us to discuss your case in detail. Slink & Keating is available to give free advice during office hours or after hours on 0481 988 003.
I have been charged with a driving offence, am I going to lose my licence?
It is possible that your drivers licence is at risk. The law in this area is very complex and requires specialised advice. Some traffic and driving offences now include mandatory licence loss such as Drink Driving, Drug Driving and Hoon offences. Please contact our solicitors as soon as possible to discuss your case.
I am eligible to get my licence back, what do I do?
You should contact VicRoads a few months prior to you being eligible to obtain your licence. VicRoads will advise what is required of you before obtaining your licence. Your circumstance are individualised depending on a number of factors such as why you lost your licence, how long for and what your prior offences are.
Some requirements may be that you are required to go to Court to get an Eligibility Order, drug/ alcohol courses, intensive behaviour program and interlock.
You need to book Court 28 days prior to your eligible date. If you are to do a course make enquiries early as there can be waiting lists.
What if I need an interlock installed?
If you have an interlock condition on your licence it is important that you have one installed. It is an offence to drive a motor vehicle/ motor cycle without one installed. If you are charged with breaching your interlock condition please call one of our solicitors for advice.
We recommend calling Andrew from PCB Automotive in Dandenong South for interlock installations.
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Why Choose Us
Specialised knowledge
Slink & Keating are Accredited Specialists in criminal law. Our solicitors are experienced in criminal law, child protection, intervention order proceedings and infringement matters.
We care!
At Slink & Keating you are not just a number. We will do everything we can to achieve the best possible outcome! We take pride and care about how your case is handled.
We will travel wherever you need us!
Slink & Keating appear in all metropolitan and country courts. Such as Children's and Magistrates' Court in Ringwood, Moorabbin, Melbourne, Heidelberg, Frankston, Dromana, Korumburra, Shepparton, LaTrobe Valley, Collingwood, Sunshine, Broadmeadows, Castlemaine, Geelong, Echuca, Warnambool and Sale to name a few. County Court in LaTrobe or Melbourne and Supreme Court.
We will work WITH you!
We will assist you by referring you to any programs, courses, services for homelessness and medical professionals when required. This may sometimes also lead to referrals to court based programs such as CISP bail, ARC and the Drug Court.