Being prosecuted for a criminal or traffic offence can be a nerve-wracking experience. You may be unfamiliar with the process, unsure of the best way forward and concerned about the outcome. But whether you are charged with a less-serious matter such as drug possession, drink driving or common assault, or accused of something as serious as ...

The Magistrates Referral into Early Treatment (MERIT) program is a diversionary program that is designed to help defendants with a substance abuse problem get access to treatment so they can address their issues, and hopefully reduce their chances of reoffending at a later date. Although MERIT was set up to help defendants with drug abuse ...