FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Do I need a lawyer?
It is important that you consult a lawyer at the earliest opportunity, especially if there is a risk of imprisonment.
2. What legal costs am I facing?
Legal costs vary, depending on the seriousness of the matter and the court where it will be heard. You will be provided with an estimate of the likely legal costs at your initial consultation.
3. What should I do if the police want to question me about an alleged offence?
You have to provide your name and address, but you do NOT have to answer any other questions.
4. What should I do if I am arrested or think I am going to be arrested?
If you have been arrested, you must accompany the police and give your name and address, but you do not have to agree to participate in a video record of interview. If you are asked to attend at a police station for a suspect interview, you do not have to answer any questions, except to provide your name and address, and you may decline to participate in a video record of interview.
If you are arrested, or advised that you are going to be arrested, or advised that a summons will be served on you, please call Basil Edwardes on 0411 217 203 as it may be necessary to contact the relevant police officer immediately.
5. What should I do if I am charged with an offence which I did do?
You should seek legal advice before speaking to the police.
6. Can I get a spent conviction?
Whether the Court orders a spent conviction will depend on various factors, including the hardship you would suffer if a conviction were recorded.
7. Can I get bail if I am in custody?
This will depend on various factors, including the seriousness of the offence, any prior record of convictions, and your personal circumstances (sometimes including the availability of a surety). We will do our best to ensure that all relevant details are made known to the court so that the best possible outcome can be achieved.
It is important that you consult a lawyer at the earliest opportunity, especially if there is a risk of imprisonment.
2. What legal costs am I facing?
Legal costs vary, depending on the seriousness of the matter and the court where it will be heard. You will be provided with an estimate of the likely legal costs at your initial consultation.
3. What should I do if the police want to question me about an alleged offence?
You have to provide your name and address, but you do NOT have to answer any other questions.
4. What should I do if I am arrested or think I am going to be arrested?
If you have been arrested, you must accompany the police and give your name and address, but you do not have to agree to participate in a video record of interview. If you are asked to attend at a police station for a suspect interview, you do not have to answer any questions, except to provide your name and address, and you may decline to participate in a video record of interview.
If you are arrested, or advised that you are going to be arrested, or advised that a summons will be served on you, please call Basil Edwardes on 0411 217 203 as it may be necessary to contact the relevant police officer immediately.
5. What should I do if I am charged with an offence which I did do?
You should seek legal advice before speaking to the police.
6. Can I get a spent conviction?
Whether the Court orders a spent conviction will depend on various factors, including the hardship you would suffer if a conviction were recorded.
7. Can I get bail if I am in custody?
This will depend on various factors, including the seriousness of the offence, any prior record of convictions, and your personal circumstances (sometimes including the availability of a surety). We will do our best to ensure that all relevant details are made known to the court so that the best possible outcome can be achieved.