We asked Criminal law firms in Your city 10 FAQ…
Q1: Who’s who in the local Australian court?
Criminal law firms your city: the set up of our courts is one of power dynamics. At the front and top of the room is the most respected figure, the magistrate.
The long bar table is where the lawyers sit. Defence lawyers, and police and prosecutors will be on opposite sides.
Right before the magistrate is the court officer on one side, court monitor responsible for recordings, and witness stand.
Q2: How should you behave in court?
Criminal law firms your city: court is nerve-wracking for the best of us. However knowing the etiquette, will mean less stress over how you should be acting…
These include but aren’t limited to being punctual, bowing to the Coat of Arms upon entering and leaving the courtroom, switching phones off, and not talking unless addressed by the magistrate.
Q3: How can you get bail?
Criminal law firms your city: one who’s determining bail must consider whether or not an ‘unacceptable risk’ to the community is at stake.
Q4: What’s at the Downing Centre?
Criminal law firms your city: find your essentials across the 7 levels…
- Local courts – levels 4 and 5
- District courts – lower ground to level 3
- Jury assembly room and Drug Court Registry – lower ground
- JP Desk – ground floor
- Victims Services – level 1
Q5: What is the Drug Court Program?
Criminal law firms your city: involves 3 phases…
- Initiation – detox and focus on getting physical and mental health back on track, through a case management plan that involves drug testing, counseling, and psych treatment.
- Consolidation – continued refrain from drug use and other crimes, good health maintained, improvement in general life skills, and employment programs.
- Reintegration – a stable home environment must be maintained as the participant rejoins the community. They must be working or doing positive activities, and must regularly visit the drug court
Q6: What’s different in district courts?
Criminal law firms your city: the set up along the bar table, and magistrate’s position are much the same. The court officer will however be on the far left, and court monitor on direct right of the magistrate.
Q7: Who can attend a court case?
Criminal law firms your city: generally, anyone is allowed to watch a court case. They are public. ‘Closed courts’ (for example with a child defendant) are however exempt.
Q8: What happens if you plead not guilty to the local court?
Criminal law firms your city: when the magistrate calls you up, attend the microphone and await to be asked what you intend to do. This is the time to say “I wish to plead not guilty, Your Honour”
The magistrate may set a defendant hearing for you at a later date in which you and your witnesses will be able to provide accounts of the event, along with cross-examinations of and by the prosecution.
Once the magistrate hears these along with closing submissions, they’ll decide then whether you are guilty. Alternatively ‘brief service orders’ may be requested.
Q9: What to wear in court?
Criminal law firms your city: no thongs, caps, casual t-shirt, etc. Dress conservatively and respectfully.
Q10: What about fraud matters?
Criminal law firms your city: there are different types of fraud offenses? These include but aren’t limited to credit card, tax, and cyber fraud.
There are different defences for each kind of fraud case. The most common fraud charge is that of one who deceptively obtains property that isn’t theirs. It was decided by parliament that this covers most fraud charges.
