Disclaimer: The material in this print-out relates to the law as it applies in the state of Victoria. It is intended as a general guide only. Readers should not act on the basis of any material in this print-out without getting legal advice about their own particular situations. Victoria Legal Aid disclaims any liability howsoever caused to any person in respect of any action taken in reliance on the contents of the publication.
We help Victorians with their legal problems and represent those who need it most. Find legal answers, chat with us online, or call us. You can speak to us in English or ask for an interpreter. You can also find more legal information at www.legalaid.vic.gov.au
Read about our reduced hours over the holiday period.
Our lawyers have written a selection of materials, including conference papers, articles, guides and checklists, which may be useful references for other lawyers.
New fees for criminal matters affected by COVID-19
We have introduced additional fees for new procedures implemented by the courts as part of their COVID-19 response. Read about Criminal law fees due to COVID-19
Practitioners commissioning psychiatric or psychological reports for use at a client’s sentencing hearing, must comply with the requirements of the Supreme Court Practice Note SC CR 7 ‘Expert reports on mental functioning of offenders’. Read Psychological and psychiatric reports for sentencing hearings.
Practice updates and materials
Our lawyers have documented a number of checklists, practical tips and handy hints, which may be useful references for other lawyers.
Information for your next court date – form (doc, 220 KB)(opens in a new window)
A form that a duty lawyer can give to an accused person they assist at court when the person’s case is adjourned. The duty lawyer can write details of the next hearing on the document and set out anything the person should do to before then.
(opens in a new window)
This fact sheet is for criminal lawyers when advising clients who may encounter the mandatory visa cancellation provisions under the Migration Act 1958 (Cth).
Offence snapshots for duty lawyers, providing an overview of individual offences, including the elements that need to be proved, relevant legislation, case law and sentencing statistics:
For checklists and fact sheets relating to the Children's Court Criminal Division, see Youth Crime.
Precedent letters to experts – mental functioning reports
We have worked with expert psychiatrists, neuropsychologists and psychologists to develop several precedent letters that you can use when requesting forensic reports for plea hearings and mental impairment and fitness assessments. The letters set out relevant issues the expert should address in their report and direct them to the applicable court practice notes. Download the letters:
