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A Defendant's guide to the Local Court “Going to Court”, a plain English guide for people appearing as defendants in local courts, was launched today (Monday 11 May) by the NSW Attorney General Jeff Shaw. The guide provides practical advice to people who have been charged or summonsed for a criminal offence and have to go to a NSW Local Court. It has been jointly produced by the NSW Legal Aid Commission and the NSW Attorney General’s Department. Topics covered include: · the steps you should take before you go to court · where to seek legal advice or other assistance, such as the service of an interpreter · what to do on the day of your court appearance · courtroom procedures · how to appeal against a magistrate’s decision Managing Director of the Legal Aid Commission, Mr Mike Cramsie, said today: “Because local courts generally handle more minor criminal offences, the great majority of people who pass through our court system do so at a local court level. This guide will be of immense value, particularly to those who have never been to court before or who are unrepresented. “As well as providing practical, plain English advice on how the system works, it also reminds people of the risks they may run if, for example they do not seek legal advice before appearing in court or do not turn up in court on the day required.” The Attorney General launched the guide at 5pm today, the opening day of Law Week, at the Downing Centre in Sydney. For further information: Judy Brookman (02) 9219 5931 or 0412 564012 11.5.98 |
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