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Police, courts and lawyers

This section is about young people and the legal system. It includes information about:

  • your legal rights if you are stopped, searched or arrested by the police
  • going to the Children’s Court and the reasons you may have to appear in court
  • seeing a lawyer
  • services that give legal information and advice to young people.

More information

Security guards and bouncers

Related publications

Am I old enough?

Just in case

Your rights: Police powers in Victoria

Related websites

Children’s Court of Victoria virtual court site

How we can help

Victoria Legal Aid’s (VLA) has a Youth Legal Service that provides legal information and assistance to children, young people and parents.

Call VLA’s Legal Information Service for free information over the phone about the law and how we can help you with your legal problem. You can speak to a legal information officer in English or ask for an interpreter. Phone (03) 9269 0120 or 1800 677 402 (country callers), Monday to Friday from 8.45 am to 5.15 pm.

VLA’s free legal services include:

  • advice at VLA offices and other locations across Victoria
  • lawyers who are on ‘duty’ to help at many courts and tribunals, including the Children’s court
  • advice at many correctional facilities, remand and detention centres, including the Melbourne Juvenile Justice Centre, Parkville Youth Residential Centre and secure welfare facilities.

For some matters we can provide you with a lawyer to help you run your case.

To find out more about any of our legal services see What we do.

Who else can help?

Youthlaw is a community legal centre for young people up to the age of 25. Youthlaw can help with:

  • confidential legal advice, information and casework services
  • information about your legal rights and responsibilities.

See the Youthlaw website or call them on (03) 9611 2412 or email info@youthlaw.asn.au.