Our free legal services include help at court. For some matters, we can also provide you with a lawyer to help you run your case.
Other organisations that can help
Legal services
Your local community legal can give you legal information and advice. Most services are free.
The Victorian Aboriginal Legal (VALS) provides legal advice and assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. If you are Koori and taken into custody, the police must tell VALS within one hour. You will get support and advice from one of their client services officers. They also have a 24-hour .
You can also find a private lawyer near you through the Law Institute of Victoria’s Legal Referral . All law firms included in the Legal Referral Service provide a free 30-minute interview. You can use this interview to understand more about the legal issue and how much it will cost. Note that the free interview is not 30 minutes of free legal advice.
Other services
If you have a cognitive disability, the Office of the Public Advocate can provide an independent third to be with you at the police station while you are interviewed or during procedures such as the police taking body samples.
Complaints
See Complaints about police for organisations that can help you make a complaint if you feel you have not been treated fairly by the police.
Our resources about your rights
These resources will help you understand:
- police powers in Victoria
- your rights
- what to do if you go to court.
See a list of all our free publications and , including:
- Am I old enough? Common legal issues for young people
- Drugs, the law and safer substance use
- Police powers: your rights in Victoria.
We also have a video about police.
Resources from other organisations
Youthlaw
Youthlaw's website contains information about:
- Police powers and your rights on the , including searches, move-on or stay-away orders and disorderly conduct
- Police powers and your rights on , including your rights when under arrest.
Youthlaw's Street Smart is a practical guide to knowing your rights on the streets and has information about police powers.
The Law Handbook
The Law Handbook from Fitzroy Legal Service contains information about:
How we can help
Contact us for free information about the law and how we can help you with your legal issue. Many requests can be dealt with online rather than on the phone.
- Speak to us over the phone or using our online chat
- Help in your language
- Support if you are deaf or find it hard to hear or speak on the phone
If we can’t help, we can refer you to other organisations that can.
Disclaimer: The material in this print-out relates to the law as it applies in the state of Victoria. It is intended as a general guide only. Readers should not act on the basis of any material in this print-out without getting legal advice about their own particular situations. Victoria Legal Aid disclaims any liability howsoever caused to any person in respect of any action taken in reliance on the contents of the publication.
We help Victorians with their legal problems and represent those who need it most. Find legal answers, chat with us online, or call us. You can speak to us in English or ask for an interpreter. You can also find more legal information at www.legalaid.vic.gov.au
Reviewed 06 November 2023