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Vla Resource Pleading Guilty
Vla Resource Pleading Guilty
Vla Resource Pleading Guilty
This information can help you if you have decided to plead guilty to your charges.
We explain what the words in bold mean on this web page: www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/legal-words.
What to do at court
See also Representing yourself in a criminal case www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/representing-yourself-
criminal-case.
On the day of your hearing, go to the court counter and tell the staff that you are pleading guilty. The
court staff will send your file into the courtroom. This lets the magistrate know that your case can be
heard.
Stay close to the courtroom or go in there and wait for your name to be called. This may take a while. If
you wait in the courtroom, you can watch how other matters are heard.
Make sure you bow to the magistrate as you go into the courtroom.
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If you plead guilty the magistrate treats your plea as a sign that you are co-operating and may give you
a less severe penalty.
Your case may be put off to another day (adjourned) if the charges are serious and you need more time
to prepare.
If you have to go to court for a criminal offence you have three options:
the people who are supporting you at court (if you have people to support you). The magistrate
may ask them questions
how and why the offence happened. Explain your actions, do not excuse them.
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anything you have done to make up for the offence or to accept responsibility for it. For
example, paying for damage caused, co-operating with the police or apologising to the victim.
what you learned and how you feel about what you did
what you are doing to stop the behaviour happening again. For example, sorting out any drug or
alcohol problems or seeing a counsellor or a social worker.
personal information, including how old you are, your family situation, if you are working or
studying and any personal problems that may explain your situation.
your financial situation, including your income, rent or mortgage, and car or other large loans.
Let the magistrate know if you might have trouble paying the fine. There are options. You can ask the
magistrate to:
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Victoria Legal Aid
www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/going-court-pleading-guilty
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