Representing yourself

You can speak for yourself in court without a solicitor, lawyer or other legal professional.  If you are thinking about representing yourself because you can’t afford a lawyer, check if you can get legal aid.

Organisation Address: 23 - 25 Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

Phone: (03) 6165 7136

Web Address: http://www.magistratescourt.tas.gov.au/going_to_court/self-representation

Link Owner: Magistrates court of Tasmania

Also in: Courts & Tribunals , Do I need a lawyer? , Going to Court

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Checklist for representing yourself

Do you want to represent yourself?  Legal Aid or community legal services can provide some advice to assist you to make that decision.

Organisation Address: 166 Macquarie Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia

Phone: (03) 6223 2500

Web Address: http://www.hobartlegal.org.au/tasmanian-law-handbook/courts-lawyers-and-law/self-representation/checklist-self-representation

Link Owner: Hobart Community Legal Service

Related Links: Representing yourself

Also in: Courts & Tribunals , Do I need a lawyer? , Going to Court

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Self-Representation

Legal Aid (assistance in getting and paying for a lawyer) is not usually granted for summary offences except where prison or other serious consequences are likely to eventuate. This means that for someone appearing in the Magistrates Court the options may be either representing themselves or paying for a private lawyer.

Organisation Address: 166 Macquarie Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia

Phone: (03) 6223 2500

Web Address: https://www.hobartlegal.org.au/handbook/the-criminal-justice-system/self-representation/

Link Owner: Hobart Community Legal Service Inc

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Plea of Guilty

Most charges are dealt with as a plea of guilty. This is where the defendant admits to the charge. Often this happens after negotiations with prosecution (normally through a lawyer). This may result in a more serious charge being dropped and replaced with a less serious charge.

Organisation Address: 166 Macquarie Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia

Phone: (03) 6223 2500

Web Address: https://www.hobartlegal.org.au/handbook/the-criminal-justice-system/appearing-in-court/plea-of-guilty/

Link Owner: Hobart Community Legal Service Inc

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