FAQ's
Frequency Asked Question's
You should always wear neat attire and appropriate footwear. Avoid clothing with offensive symbols or language. Think of it as dressing for a job interview.
In all cases, your best defence is a lawyer who specialises in criminal defence and has expertise in the area you are alleged to have committed an offence. A criminal defence lawyer can help you to avoid charges before they are laid, avoid convictions, lessen penalties such as monetary fines, avoid and shorten terms of imprisonment or alternatively, assist you in receiving a Community Corrections Order before receiving a sentence of imprisonment. Always seek advice from your lawyer before attempting to navigate the criminal justice system.
If you cannot afford a lawyer our firm handles Legal Aid funded cases as well as privately funded cases. However, a criteria does apply and you must be eligible for Legal Aid.
If you are charged it is best you seek legal advice immediately. Contact us today for legal advice.
Police can only enter your property with a warrant.
In some cases you have to provide your details and identify yourself. For example, a driver has to provide their licence upon request. However, you do have the right to remain silent in other situations. If you are unsure of your obligations, call us today.
If you wish to contest charges, your case will proceed to either a Contested Hearing (Magistrates’ Court) or a Trial (County / Supreme Court).
At these hearings the Prosecution must prove to a Magistrate / Judge or Jury that the accused person committed the alleged offences ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’.
To do so, the parties will call witnesses, cross-examine (question) the other party’s witnesses and provide evidence to the Court which proves why the accused is guilty or not guilty.
Yes. If you’ve been sentenced or found guilty in the Magistrates’ Court you have an automatic right to appeal the decision to a Judge of the County Court. The Judge has the power rehear the case and find you not guilty, or substitute the sentence for a lesser one if they see fit