Being at court for criminal charges is serious. You can get a criminal record and serious penalties, so get legal help as soon as possible. Find out how we can help. If your court date is in 14 days or more, you may qualify for our Help Before Court service.
It is always a good idea to speak to a lawyer before your court date, if you can. The court will expect you to do this.
A lawyer will help you understand your case and what your options are. You can get legal advice by contacting us before court (as part of our Help Before Court service), or by seeing a duty lawyer at court on the day.
Even if you want to plead guilty, seeing a lawyer can help you present a better case. Visit Other support for going to court for more information.
Speak to a lawyer at court
We have lawyers at most magistrates' courts in Victoria. They help people on the day of their hearing.
Our duty lawyers may be able to give you legal information, advice, or representation, depending on how much you earn, your circumstances and the nature of your charges. For more information visit Help at court.
Explore our publications and resources
- Am I old enough? – Common legal issues for young people.
- Fines: the law, your options
- Police powers: Your rights in Victoria
- Drugs, the law and safer substance use
Explore our related pages
- Help Before Court for criminal charges
- Help at court
- Other support for going to court
- Traffic offences
- Drug possession
- Fines and infringements
- Public transport offences
Support from other organisations
- Magistrates' Court of Victoria – Criminal matters: Find out about types of criminal offences, driving and traffic offences, appeals and support at the Magistrates' Court of Victoria.
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