Have you received a Court Attendance Notice? Appearing at Court without a Lawyer can be a daunting experience.  Here are some tips to help you if you choose to represent yourself.

Tips

• Make sure you arrive early
  
  
• Make sure you have your paperwork with you, a copy of your court documents or court attendance notice
  
  
• Ensure that you have references ready for the Magistrate and Police Prosecutor to read
  
  
• Always address the Magistrate as “Your Honour”
  
  
• You will be asked by the Magistrate whether you are entering a plea of “guilty” or “not guilty”, so make sure you know your answer
  
  
• If you are found guilty or have entered a plea of guilty, in some circumstances a pre-sentence report may be ordered by the Magistrate.  So, be prepared to participate in an interview so the pre-sentence report can be prepared to help the Magistrate decide what sentence options are most suitable to your situation, eg. a custodial sentence, a fine or something else

If you choose to engage a lawyer, we would be happy to assist.  We regularly appear for clients who have been charged with driving offences and offences relating to violence and drugs.