GO TO COURT VIDEO LIBRARY
Watch clear, searchable legal information with chapter links and full transcripts. Every state and territory is labelled because Australian laws and court processes are not interchangeable.
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LEGAL VIDEO SERIES
Australia
Go To Court Lawyers has been helping Australians with legal problems since 2010. This short video explains exactly how the service works — including the difference between the two things we offer, because it matters which one you need.
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Australia
Charged with a criminal offence and need a lawyer urgently? This video explains, in plain English, the four ways to get a criminal lawyer anywhere in Australia - the free duty lawyer at court, a grant of legal aid, community legal centres and Aboriginal legal services, and private lawyers - and what each one actually costs.
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Australian Capital Territory
Charged in Canberra? Nearly every ACT criminal matter starts in one building, which makes the path clear: the duty lawyer office on level 2 next to Courtroom 1, a Legal Aid helpline open late Monday to Thursday, the Aboriginal Legal Service, and straight answers on private lawyer costs.
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New South Wales
A criminal court date in New South Wales, coming up fast? This video walks through exactly how to get a lawyer in NSW when time is short: the three calls to make today, the duty solicitor at every Local Court (and what they can't do), grants of legal aid, and what private criminal lawyers charge.
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Northern Territory
The Territory does justice differently - including more than thirty bush courts. But at the Darwin and Alice Springs Local Courts there's a free duty lawyer every single day, no means test, no booking. This video covers the duty lawyer, NAAJA, Legal Aid NT's helpline, and private lawyer costs in the NT.
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Queensland
Facing a Queensland magistrates court? Queensland gives every unrepresented defendant a free duty lawyer on the day. This video explains what they can and can't do, the two calls to make before court, what to do if someone is in the watch-house, and what private criminal lawyers charge in Queensland.
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South Australia
Charged in South Australia with court coming up? Three walls stop most people - money, time and fear of the system - and every one has a door. The free duty solicitor at every Magistrates Court, the Legal Help Line, the Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement, and honest numbers on private lawyer costs.
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Tasmania
Charged in Tasmania? Start with the simplest fact: everyone in Tasmania can get free legal advice by phone from Tasmania Legal Aid. This video covers that line, the duty lawyer next to Court 5 in Hobart, grants of aid, the Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service, and private lawyer costs on the island.
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Victoria
Charged in Victoria and worried you can't afford a lawyer? "No money, no lawyer" is a myth here. This video covers Victoria Legal Aid's Legal Help line and Help Before Court, duty lawyers at the Magistrates' Court, the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, and what private criminal lawyers really charge.
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Western Australia
Charged in Western Australia? WA has a wrinkle most people don't know: ongoing legal aid grants are rarely available for Magistrates Court charges. This video explains the duty lawyer, the Legal Aid WA Infoline, the Aboriginal Legal Service of WA, and what private criminal lawyers cost in the West.
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Australian Capital Territory
Police have rung, or left a card, asking you to come in for an interview. Do you have to go? Do you have to answer their questions? This video explains, in plain English, what the law in the ACT actually says — the right to silence, what you do have to tell police, the caution they must give you, and your right to legal advice before you answer anything.
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New South Wales
Police have rung, or left a card, asking you to come in for an interview. Do you have to go? Do you have to answer their questions? This video explains, in plain English, what the law in New South Wales actually says — the right to silence, what you do have to tell police, the caution they must give you, and your right to legal advice before you answer anything.
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Northern Territory
Police have rung, or left a card, asking you to come in for an interview. Do you have to go? Do you have to answer their questions? This video explains, in plain English, what the law in the Northern Territory actually says — the right to silence, what you do have to tell police, the caution they must give you, and your right to legal advice before you answer anything.
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Queensland
Police have rung, or left a card, asking you to come in for an interview. Do you have to go? Do you have to answer their questions? This video explains, in plain English, what the law in Queensland actually says — the right to silence, what you do have to tell police, the caution they must give you, and your right to legal advice before you answer anything.
Watch, read chapters and transcript →
South Australia
Police have rung, or left a card, asking you to come in for an interview. Do you have to go? Do you have to answer their questions? This video explains, in plain English, what the law in South Australia actually says — the right to silence, what you do have to tell police, the caution they must give you, and your right to legal advice before you answer anything.
Watch, read chapters and transcript →
Tasmania
Police have rung, or left a card, asking you to come in for an interview. Do you have to go? Do you have to answer their questions? This video explains, in plain English, what the law in Tasmania actually says — the right to silence, what you do have to tell police, the caution they must give you, and your right to legal advice before you answer anything.
Watch, read chapters and transcript →
Victoria
Police have rung, or left a card, asking you to come in for an interview. Do you have to go? Do you have to answer their questions? This video explains, in plain English, what the law in Victoria actually says — the right to silence, what you do have to tell police, the caution they must give you, and your right to legal advice before you answer anything.
Watch, read chapters and transcript →
Western Australia
Police have rung, or left a card, asking you to come in for an interview. Do you have to go? Do you have to answer their questions? This video explains, in plain English, what the law in Western Australia actually says — the right to silence, what you do have to tell police, the caution they must give you, and your right to legal advice before you answer anything.
Watch, read chapters and transcript →LEGAL VIDEO SERIES
Australian Capital Territory
Charged with assault in Canberra? The ACT ceilings are clean - 2 years for common assault, 5 for actual bodily harm, 7 aggravated - but in this city the real battleground is usually your record, your clearance and your checks. The two-limb self-defence test, and why preparation reads loudly in a one-court town.
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New South Wales
Charged with assault in New South Wales? This video explains the NSW penalty ladder in plain English - common assault (up to 2 years), assault occasioning actual bodily harm (5 years, or 7 in company) - why those numbers are ceilings rather than predictions, the three main defences including self-defence, and how a guilty finding can still end without a recorded conviction.
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Northern Territory
Charged with assault in the Northern Territory? The ladder, rung by rung: common assault 12 months, assault causing harm 2 years, aggravated forms 3-5, grievous harm 14. Your defences, the free daily duty lawyer in Darwin and Alice Springs, and NAAJA for Aboriginal defendants across the Territory.
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Queensland
Charged with assault in Queensland? The ceilings: common assault 3 years, bodily harm 7, armed or in company 10. How you fight it: self-defence, accident, proof beyond reasonable doubt - and provocation, which in Queensland can be a complete defence to assault. Plus how less serious matters can end with no conviction recorded.
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South Australia
Charged with assault in South Australia? Two words on your papers - basic or aggravated - shape everything: 2 vs 3 years for assault, 3 vs 4 where harm results, 5 where a weapon is involved. Why the label itself can be challenged, SA's proportionate self-defence test, and what to do between now and court.
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Tasmania
Charged with assault in Tasmania and scared by the number 21? That figure is the Criminal Code's general ceiling for nearly every crime - not a forecast. Most assault charges travel the summary road with a 12-month maximum. The two roads, Tasmania's plain self-defence rule, and how prepared first offenders reach the gentle end.
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Victoria
Charged with assault in Victoria? The same incident can be charged as summary unlawful assault (up to 3 months) or as causing injury under the Crimes Act (up to 5 years for the reckless form) - and which path it takes is often influenced early. Defences, the two-limb self-defence test, and Victoria's diversion program for first offenders, all in plain English.
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Western Australia
Charged with assault in Western Australia? WA's twist: the maximum you face depends on which court hears it - bodily harm runs 2-3 years in the Magistrates Court but 5-7 in the District Court. Common assault: 18 months + $18,000 (3 years + $36,000 aggravated). Defences, and the spent conviction order that keeps a one-off mistake off most checks.
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Australian Capital Territory
Served with a family violence order in the ACT? Canberra's system runs through a preliminary conference where you and the applicant never share a room - a registrar shuttles between you to find an agreement. Your options, the ripples an order can cause in a small city, and how to prepare.
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New South Wales
Served with an AVO in New South Wales? This video explains, in plain English, what binds you from the moment of service, what actually happens at the first mention, and your three real choices - consent without admissions, adjourn for advice, or contest - plus why consenting is a decision to make carefully, not a shrug.
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New South Wales
An AVO is an Apprehended Violence Order — a court order made to protect someone who fears violence, intimidation, stalking or harassment. This video explains, in plain English, what an AVO actually is, the difference between an ADVO and an APVO, the conditions that come with one, and what your options are if an AVO has been taken out against you.
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Northern Territory
Served with a DVO in the Northern Territory? The timetable is fast - as little as two clear days' notice, hearings within a week or two - and the choices are real: consent without admissions, negotiate conditions, or contest. Plus the free help standing at the courthouse door.
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Queensland
Served with a DVO application in Queensland? Understand the five-year line first: a final order lasts five years by default, and a final order means no weapons licence for five years. Your five options at the mention, why the order is civil but breaching is criminal, and how to prepare.
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South Australia
Served with an intervention order in South Australia? A final order here has no expiry date - it runs until a court revokes it - and the confirmation hearing is usually about eight days away. What binds you tonight, your choices at the hearing, and why the first hearing is the cheapest place to get this right.
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Tasmania
Handed a family violence order in Tasmania? First check who made it. Police can issue their own orders for up to twelve months without a court; magistrates make the rest. The two roads - varying or challenging a police order, and responding to a court application - explained plainly.
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Victoria
Served with a family violence intervention order in Victoria? The first mention is a fork in the road with four doors: consent without admission, an undertaking, an adjournment, or a contest. What each one really means, what the contested road looks like, and how to use the next fortnight well.
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Western Australia
Served with a family violence restraining order in WA? There is no automatic court date - there is a 21-day clock, and silence makes the order final. Your four choices, what happens after an objection, and the two traps that catch people every week.
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Australian Capital Territory
Canberra keeps it compact: one courthouse (Knowles Place) handles every family violence order, there are no court fees, and after hours - nights, weekends, public holidays - police can apply for an emergency order on your behalf. This video covers the court application, after-hours protection, interim orders, and the conference stage where the two sides are kept in separate rooms.
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New South Wales
Frightened of a partner, ex-partner or family member in NSW? This video explains, in plain English, the two ways to get an apprehended domestic violence order (ADVO) - asking the police to apply (with a provisional order for urgent protection) or making your own private application at the Local Court - plus who the order covers, what it costs (nothing), and the evidence that wins orders.
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Northern Territory
In the Northern Territory a domestic violence order is free to get - and you don't have to be the one who asks: an adult you trust, a lawyer or the police can apply for you. This video covers the police path (officers can make orders without going to court), the Local Court civil registry application, what orders can say, and who they cover, including extended family.
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South Australia
South Australia protects people at two speeds: police can issue an interim intervention order on the spot (no court needed, effective once served, court date built in), and you can also apply to the Magistrates Court through its online portal - free where domestic abuse is alleged. This video explains both paths, the preliminary hearing, and how interim orders become final.
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Tasmania
In Tasmania, police can issue a police family violence order on the spot - no court needed, typically running about twelve months - and you can also apply to the Magistrates Court yourself (one form plus five copies at the registry, no filing fee). This video explains both paths, interim orders, and the forward-looking test the magistrate applies.
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Victoria
In Victoria you can apply for a family violence intervention order (FVIO) online, without going anywhere. This video walks through every path to protection: the Magistrates' Court online application (heard at any court location), police family violence safety notices issued on the spot (up to 14 days), same-day interim orders, who the order covers, and what it costs (nothing).
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Western Australia
In Western Australia you can apply for a family violence restraining order (FVRO) at any Magistrates Court registry, free - and ask for the first hearing to happen without the other person being told. This video explains the application, the same-day interim order, police emergency protection, who the order covers, and the evidence to bring.
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Australian Capital Territory
Charged with contravening a family violence order in the ACT? Every breach carries the same label: up to 5 years, from the first offence. What counts as a breach in a small city, the genuine defences, and why the conviction can cost more than the sentence.
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New South Wales
Charged with breaching an AVO in New South Wales? The rules were rewritten in 2024: a standard knowing breach carries up to 2 years, breach intending harm or fear 3, persistent breach within 28 days 5 - and where the breach involved violence, the court must impose imprisonment unless it gives reasons. What counts as a breach, the real defences, and what to do from today.
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Northern Territory
Charged with breaching a DVO in the Northern Territory? Alongside ceilings of 2 to 5 years sits a floor: a second breach conviction means a recorded conviction and at least 7 days' imprisonment, by law. What counts, the genuine defences, and why contesting a wrong charge matters so much here.
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Queensland
Charged with breaching a DVO in Queensland? The maximum is 3 years - or 5 if you have a domestic violence conviction in the past five years. What counts as contravening (including invited contact), the genuine defences, and what to do from today.
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South Australia
Charged with contravening an intervention order in South Australia? The penalties were rewritten in 2024 and are now the steepest in the country: 3 years basic, 5 aggravated - and 7 or 10 where violence, threats or a repeat within five years is involved. The full ladder, plainly.
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Tasmania
Charged with breaching a family violence order in Tasmania? Penalties climb a staircase: 12 months for a first breach, 18 for a second, 2 years for a third, and 5 from the fourth. Why each conviction moves you up a step permanently, and how to handle the one you're facing.
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Victoria
Charged with contravening a family violence intervention order in Victoria? There are three separate offences - the standard charge (2 years), contravention intending harm or fear (5), and persistent contravention within 28 days (5). Why every extra contact builds the bigger charge, the genuine defences, and how to handle it.
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Western Australia
Charged with breaching a restraining order in WA? A single breach carries up to $10,000 and 2 years - but the number that matters is three: on a third conviction within two years, the court must impose imprisonment unless clearly unjust. Why even small charges deserve a proper defence.
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Australian Capital Territory
Being stalked or harassed in Canberra? The Personal Protection Order turns on a two-question test - has the conduct happened, and is it likely in the next 12 months without an order? How to apply, the workplace-order cousin, and how to build evidence for exactly that test.
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New South Wales
Being stalked, harassed or threatened by someone who isn't family in NSW? You can seek an Apprehended Personal Violence Order yourself, directly at any Local Court registry - police permission not required. What the APVO does, what to do when police haven't acted, the evidence that wins these orders, and the national doors for online abuse.
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Northern Territory
Being stalked or harassed in the Northern Territory? The Personal Violence Restraining Order costs nothing to seek: one form and one affidavit at the Local Court. What the PVRO reaches, what to do when police haven't acted, and how to build the sworn account that carries it.
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Queensland
Being stalked or harassed in Queensland? Run both tracks: the Peace and Good Behaviour Order you can seek yourself at the Magistrates Court, and the crime of unlawful stalking that police can charge. What to do when police haven't acted, the file to build, and the national doors for online abuse.
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South Australia
Being stalked or harassed in South Australia? One order covers everyone - the same intervention order protects you from a neighbour, an acquaintance or a stranger. The police door and the court door, what to do when police haven't acted, and the evidence that carries it.
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Tasmania
Being stalked or harassed in Tasmania? The restraint order's application form is on the Magistrates Court website, the standard is the civil one, and interim orders exist for urgent situations. The grounds, the two tracks, and the file that wins it.
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Victoria
Being stalked or harassed in Victoria by a neighbour, colleague or stranger? The Personal Safety Intervention Order is built for exactly this. How to apply at the Magistrates' Court, Victoria's assessment-and-mediation pathway for less serious disputes, why stalking goes straight to the magistrate, and the evidence that decides it.
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Western Australia
Being stalked or harassed in WA by someone who isn't family? Two orders exist - the Misconduct Restraining Order for harassment without violence, and the Violence Restraining Order where violence or credible threats exist. How to choose, how lodging works (including the fee and the no-surprise rule), and the evidence that tips the scales.
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Australia
There is a protection order in your family — protecting you, or made against you — and you are separating. This video explains, in plain English, what that order actually means for parenting arrangements and property settlement anywhere in Australia: how the family court weighs safety and protection orders when deciding about children, the three rules that keep state protection orders and national family law…
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Australian Capital Territory
Someone arrested in Canberra? One city, one court - and one extra step most families never learn: a police bail refusal can be reviewed by a senior officer on request, before the magistrate ever sees it. The sequence, the bail file, and the protections that matter tonight.
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New South Wales
Someone you love has been arrested in NSW and you don't know where they are or what happens next. This video gives families the sequence: the first three phone calls, what's happening in custody, how the bail decision works (court usually the same or next day), the facts families provide that win bail, and the three warnings that protect them - starting with recorded phone calls.
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Northern Territory
Someone arrested in the Territory? The custody map is five watch houses - Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs - and the duty lawyer walks into the cells before court. How to find them, the bail file to build, and NAAJA for Aboriginal families.
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Queensland
Someone you love is in a Queensland watch-house. This video makes it concrete: what a watch-house is, how to find out where they're held, the morning court that decides bail, the family facts that change the outcome, and the ATSILS custody line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
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South Australia
Someone arrested in South Australia? Within 30km of the Adelaide GPO they'll be at the City Watch House - and the clock runs fast: court the next working day, with a bail review heard by 4pm the day after. What families feed that clock, and the doors that keep you oriented.
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Tasmania
Someone arrested in Tasmania? Here's the honest timeline - police cells, court as soon as practicable, and if bail is refused, a transfer to the reception centres that can take days. What families can do: the bail facts, the courtroom presence, and the protections that count.
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Victoria
Someone arrested in Victoria tonight? This state's bail system works through the night - volunteer bail justices can be called to the station at any hour, and a weekend online remand court sits on weekends and public holidays. How to find them, what to feed the bail application, and the protections only family can provide.
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Western Australia
Someone arrested in WA - maybe ten minutes away, maybe a day's drive. The calm calls that find them, how bail works (and escalates), the bail file families build, and the protections that matter: recorded calls, medication disclosure, and staying off social media.
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