Preparing for Your Day in Court
Going to Court is a nerve-racking experience for most people.
However, your day in Court will be a little easier if you know how to prepare, who’s who in the courtroom, who does what, what you’re supposed to do, and how it all works.
Get legal advice as soon as possible
The consequences of being convicted of a criminal offence can be severe.
Apart from the Court penalty (eg prison, fine, community service etc), the conviction will go on your criminal record, possibly reducing your job prospects and overseas travel opportunities.
Even relatively minor offences such as driving without a licence, possession of small amounts of drugs, minor assaults etc can carry harsh consequences.
If you are given a court date, contact Sydney Criminal Lawyers for a Free First Appointment where we can advise you about your particular criminal or traffic charges, the possible penalties and the best course of action for your particular case.
It is important to get that advice even if you intend to represent yourself in Court.
Read the Court Attendance Notice and write down anything that is wrong
Whether or not you engage a lawyer, you should carefully read the allegations against you (they are contained in the Court Attendance Notice), taking special note of anything that isn’t right.
You should then write down in your own words everything that actually occurred at the time of the alleged offence.
Don’t worry if you can’t remember everything or if some of the things aren’t really relevant; the important thing is that you record the events while they are still relatively fresh in your memory.
If you eventually choose to engage Sydney Criminal Lawyers or another lawyer, your notes will hep us understand and effectively present your case in Court.
Get all your papers ready
Put all your documents together, including your version of the events, your bail undertaking, the Court Attendance Notice or the facts/charge sheets, etc.
If you are coming to see a lawyer from Sydney Criminal Lawyers, give the documents to us as soon as possible.
If not, bring them to court with you.
Request an interpreter if you need one
If English is not your best language, ring the Court Registry (office) and ask them to arrange an interpreter for your Court appearance.
You should do this as early as possible to ensure that an interpreter is available. The service is free and Sydney Criminal Lawyers can arrange an interpreter on your behalf.
Be sure of the date, time and place
Always check and record your Court date and time.
That information will appear in the Court Attendance Notice, the charge sheet and/or your bail form.
The Court address will also appear in those documents.
If you don’t have the documents, ring and ask the relevant police station (ie the police that arrested you or sent the Court Attendance Notice). Althernatively, as Sydney Criminal Lawyers to do this on your behalf.
If you don’t know the address of the Courthouse, click on: Courts in NSW.
If your matter has already been to Court and you are unsure of the next Court date, ring and ask the Court Registry or ask Sydney Criminal Lawyers to do this on your behalf.
Note: if you fail to appear in Court, your matter may be decided in your absence and/or a warrant may be issued for your arrest.
How can Sydney Criminal Lawyers help me?
If you are summoned or charged, you should contact Sydney Criminal Lawyers to assist you.
We can:
- advise you of your rights;
- explain the charges against you;
- explain your alternatives;
- make a bail application for you in Court (if you are refused bail by police); and
- represent you at your Court hearing.
What Should I do next?
Benefit from the Expertise. Trust in our Experience. Service 24hrs 7 days a week. Call 02 9261 8881.
