Quick answer
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.
What this video covers
- Introduction (0:00)
- A court date in NSW (0:04)
- Three calls to make today (0:21)
- The duty solicitor at every Local Court (0:40)
- What the duty solicitor can and can't do (0:55)
- A grant of legal aid (1:18)
- Private lawyer costs (1:32)
- The morning of court (1:54)
- Free help, any hour - 1800 577 015 (2:17)
Transcript
The charge sheet says the local court, and the date is closer than you would like. Maybe it is the Downing Centre in Sydney, maybe Parramatta, maybe a courthouse in a country town. Wherever it is, here is how you get a lawyer in New South Wales when time is short and what it will cost you. Start today, not the night before. There are three calls you can make right now. Legal Aid New South Wales, on the number coming up on screen. The Aboriginal Legal Service, if that is you, or a private criminal lawyer. Every one of them would rather hear from you a week out than the morning of. Now, the safety net.
On the day, there is a duty solicitor at every local court in New South Wales, provided free by legal aid. You find them at the courthouse. Get to court early and ask the registry where they are. But know what the duty solicitor can and cannot do. They can help with bail, adjournments, and guilty pleas, and there is a simple means test. Driving matters are different. They can only step in where there is a real risk of prison. And if you have pleaded not guilty and today is your hearing, the duty solicitor cannot run it. That needs your own lawyer. For the whole case, you can apply for a grant of legal aid.
It is means tested and merit tested, and many people pay something towards it. If you qualify, a lawyer is assigned to run your matter properly, not just patch it on the day. And the private route. In round numbers, junior criminal lawyers charge between two hundred and four hundred dollars an hour and senior lawyers more. For a local court guilty plea, most firms will quote a fixed amount for the whole job, preparation, and the court date included. Whoever you talk to, they must put their costs in writing before the real work starts.
If the date has crept up on you and none of that has happened, do not skip court. Not turning up can mean a conviction in your absence or a warrant. Go early, find the duty solicitor, and ask for time to get advice. And if you want your own lawyer beforehand, our hotline is free to call at any hour, and a consultation is a fixed price. The number is on screen now.
Important
This video provides general legal information for New South Wales. It is not legal advice and does not take account of your circumstances. Laws and court processes change. For advice about your situation, speak with a qualified lawyer.