Can I plead guilty if I am innocent?
Unlike in the United States, defendants in criminal cases do not have the right to a court appointed lawyer in Australia. This means people who cannot afford to pay for a private lawyer but are not eligible for legal aid...
Top Ten Tips For Representing Yourself When Pleading Guilty to Drink Driving
Drink driving is one of the most common criminal offences before the NSW courts. Many people charged with drink driving will wish to plead guilty and get it over with, but won’t have the financial resources to hire a lawyer....
Should I Write an Apology Letter to the Court or the Victim if I’m Pleading Guilty?
If you don’t have a lawyer, an apology letter to the judge or magistrate is a great place to start as you may be nervous and a letter allows you time to think about exactly what you want to say...
Can I Change My Plea? Reversing Laws NSW
If you are charged with a criminal offence, you will be required to indicate a plea where you state that you either accept the charges (guilty) or you wish to defend yourself against them (not guilty). A plea is usually...
Do You Need a Lawyer When Pleading Guilty?
If you have been charged with a criminal offence, you may be considering pleading guilty. Additionally, you may consider representing yourself in court or be wondering if you do need a lawyer when pleading guilty. Perhaps you are thinking about...
Can I Avoid a Conviction if I Plead Guilty to a Serious Drug Charge? R v Mauger
We all make bad decisions from time to time, but when it comes to breaking the law, poor judgment could land you in front of a District Court Judge facing potential time behind bars. The defendant in R v Mauger knows this...
Do I Need A Criminal Lawyer if I Plead Guilty?
Deciding whether or not to plead guilty to criminal charges is a decision that should not be made lightly. Admitting to a charge, even a minor one, can lead to harsh penalties and a criminal conviction. It is a good...
Can Traffic Lawyers Still Help Me If I am Pleading Guilty?
If you have been charged with a major traffic offence such as drink driving, negligent driving, reckless driving or drive whilst disqualified, you will usually be advised to seek legal advice, either from a private lawyer or an organisation such...
What is a guilty plea discount?
When you are charged with a criminal offence, you are given the option of pleading ‘guilty’ or ‘not guilty’. Pleading guilty means that you accept the charges against you, and admit to the offence. If you plead not guilty, your...
Reversing a Guilty Plea
I am often contacted by both unrepresented and represented defendants who have pleaded ‘guilty’ in the Local Court but, for good reasons, wish to change their pleas to ‘not guilty’ before their matters are finalised. This article summarises the law...
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