Being charged is stressful and often frightening. Most people have never been through the court process before, and it can be hard to know where to start. These are the first steps we recommend.
1. Keep your paperwork together
Police will usually give you a court attendance notice. It sets out the charge, the court you need to attend and the date. Keep it somewhere safe, along with any bail paperwork or other documents police gave you.
2. Note your court date
Missing a court date can create serious problems on top of the original charge. Put the date in your calendar straight away and plan how you will get there.
3. Speak with a lawyer before you say more
Be careful about discussing the matter with anyone, including on social media or in messages. Before giving police any further statement, get legal advice about your situation.
4. Get advice early
The sooner you get advice, the more time there is to look at the evidence, consider your options and prepare. That might mean gathering references, completing a course, or preparing to defend the charge.
5. Ask about your options
Every matter is different. A lawyer can explain in plain English whether it makes sense to plead guilty or defend the charge, what is likely to happen at court, and what you can do now to put yourself in the best position.
If you have been charged, call William on 0412 693 906 to talk through your situation.
