How we can help
You can contact us for free information about going to court for a criminal offence. If we can’t help, we can refer you to other organisations that can.
- Speak to us
- Help in your language
- Support if you are deaf or find it hard to hear or speak on the phone
If your court date is more than six days away, you can request help before court.
Our other free legal services include help at court. For some matters, we can provide you with a lawyer to help you run your case.
Going to court
The information and resources on this page will help you understand:
- criminal offences
- what happens at court
- police powers in Victoria
- what to do if you go to court for criminal charges.
We also have free publications to help you understand court processes:
- Your day in court
- You and family law: a short guide
- Police powers: your rights in Victoria
- Fines: the law, your options.
See a list of all our free publications and resources.
Other organisations that can help
Legal services
Your local community legal centre can give you legal information and advice. Most services are free.
You can also find a private lawyer near you through the Law Institute of Victoria’s Legal Referral Service. All law firms included in the Legal Referral Service provide a free 30-minute interview. You can use this interview to understand more about the legal issue and discuss the available options and how much they will cost. Note that the free interview is not 30 minutes of free legal advice.
Help at court
Court Network volunteers support people at court. They are not lawyers and cannot give legal advice, but they can tell you about how court works. If you want to see a Court Network volunteer tell the court staff. You can also ring them before you go to court.
Courts and tribunals
Each court can give you information about their own court processes, but they cannot give you legal advice.
To find contact details for Victorian courts and tribunals, see Courts and Tribunals Victoria.
These resources will help you understand what happens at court:
- Children’s Court of Victoria virtual court site
- County Court Victoria – Self represented litigants
- Magistrates' Court of Victoria – Going to court.
Other resources
- Victoria Law Foundation has information and a publication about the courts and the legal system in Learn about Victoria's legal system.
Going to court for traffic offences
Our resources
These resources will help you understand:
- what traffic offences are
- what happens if you have to go to court about a traffic offence.
See our videos:
Resources from other organisations
The Law Handbook
Fitzroy Legal Service’s Law Handbook has information about:
Fines Victoria
The Fines website has detailed information about the Victorian infringements process and your options for dealing with fines.
Magistrates’ Court
The court website has information about the steps you need to take to get another licence if it has been cancelled for a drink or drug-driving offence.
VicRoads
The VicRoads website has information about:
- licences(opens in a new window)
- demerit point offences
- Alcohol and road safety(opens in a new window)
- medicines and road safety(opens in a new window)
- drink-driving and alcohol interlocks
- drug-driving offences
- behaviour change programs and a list of organisations that run behaviour change programs
- road rules(opens in a new window)
- crash responsibilities(opens in a new window)
- bicycles and road rules for cyclists(opens in a new window).
Transport Accident Commission
The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) has forms and brochures for people involved in an accident.
Find information on what you can claim(opens in a new window) from the TAC after a car accident.
Youthlaw
The Youthlaw website explains the ‘hoon driving’ offences(opens in a new window), police powers in relation to these hoon driving offences, and how you can get help.
Going to court to challenge a fine
Other organisations that can help
Fine fixer
Moonee Valley Legal Service and RMIT have created FineFixer(opens in a new window), an online tool that offers a free and fast way for people with fines to identify and understand their options.
Agencies
The contact details of the agency that issued your fine depend on the type of fine you have and how far it has progressed in the infringements process.
Fines Victoria
The Director of Fines Victoria is responsible for processing and enforcing fines issued by various government agencies and authorities within Victoria. They also process and enforce fines issued by courts after they have been registered.
The Fines Victoria website has information to help you decide what to do after you get a fine. You can ask them for a payment arrangement, or to conduct an enforcement review if there are special circumstances that apply to you. Visit the Fines Victoria website to find out how many infringements and court fines have been registered with them.
Fines Victoria also manage the Family Violence Scheme.
Legal services
Your local community legal centre may be able to give you legal information and advice. Most services are free.
Courts
You can take your infringement matter to the Magistrates' Court or the Children’s Court of Victoria, if you are under 18 years of age.
If Fines Victoria reviews your fine and decides that you had special circumstances at the time you were fined they will cancel the enforcement of your fine. The agency that fined you may then decide to charge you for the offence. If this happens you may be referred to court.
Find out more about how you can deal with your fine if you have special circumstances.
Other services
You can contact VicRoads about demerit points.
Try not to get any more fines for not having a valid myki. If you have a significant permanent disability you may be able to get an Access Travel Pass from Public Transport Victoria(opens in a new window). It lets you travel on public transport for free.
Our resources
The free publication Parking, the law and you outlines parking laws, how to appeal parking fines, and the consequences of not paying a fine in Victoria.
Resources from other organisations
- The Fines Victoria website has information about the Victorian infringement process. You can also pay your fine through this website.
- The Youthlaw website provides information about what to do if you get a fine when you are under 18(opens in a new window) or over 18 years of age(opens in a new window).
- The Cameras save lives(opens in a new window) website has information on options for dealing with speeding, red light or unregistered vehicle fine fines.
- Moonee Valley Legal Service's website Fine Fixer(opens in a new window) has information to help you understand what to do when you get a fine.
- The Law Handbook(opens in a new window) website explains how fines work, what happens if you do not pay a fine by the due date and what your options are.
Going to court as a witness
Help in an emergency
In an emergency, call ‘000’ to report a crime.
Other organisations that can help
Victims of Crime Financial Assistance Scheme
The Victims of Crime Financial Assistance Scheme provides financial assistance to victims to help them recover from violent crimes.
It can help with costs that come from being a victim of a violent crime, such as:
- counselling
- medical expenses
- loss of earnings
- other expenses that would help a victim recover.
Legal services
Many community legal centres can give you legal information and advice if you want to apply to the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal for financial assistance. Most services are free.
Help for witnesses
Victims and Witness Assistance Service is available to all victims of crime and prosecution witnesses involved in cases being handled by the Office of Public Prosecutions.
If you are a victim or a prosecution witness, an experienced social worker can assist you before, during and after the court process. The service can help to arrange a pre-court meeting between you and a lawyer or prosecutor and keep you updated on the progress of the case.
Child Witness Service offers support to victims or witnesses of crime under the age of 18 through the process of giving evidence at court. Child witnesses can give evidence through a live closed circuit TV link to the courtroom.
Help at court
Court Network can provide support on the day of the hearing, help organising childcare and disability access, provide information about court procedures and help with arrangements to ensure your safety when you’re at court.
They also have a telephone information and referral services for victims of crime who have to attend court. Court Network staff are available in the Magistrates', County, Supreme, Family and Coroners’ courts.
Youthlaw website
Youthlaw provides detailed information about what you can do if you are a victim of a crime(opens in a new window), including useful links.
Office of Public Prosecutions (Victoria)
The Office of Public Prosecutions has:
- information for victims of crime – to understand your role, provide support, assistance and help
- Taking the next step(opens in a new window), a guide explaining how the courts and criminal trials work for families who have lost a loved one because of a crime
- other publications, including Now You Are a Witness and Witness Assistance Service
- information on the Victims and Witness Assistance Service, which lists the supports available if you are giving evidence in court
- witness expenses and other information on financial assistance and compensation for victims of crime.
Going to court for a criminal charge
Other organisations that can help
Legal services
Your local community legal centre can give you legal information and advice. Most services are free.
You can also find a private lawyer near you through the Law Institute of Victoria’s Legal Referral Service. All law firms included in the Legal Referral Service provide a free 30-minute interview. You can use this interview to understand more about the legal issue and how much they will cost. Note that the free interview is not 30 minutes of free legal advice.
Help at court
Court Network volunteers support people at court. They are not lawyers and cannot give legal advice, but they can tell you about how court works. If you want to see a Court Network volunteer tell the court staff. You can also ring them before you go to court.
Resources about going to court for a criminal offence
These resources will help you understand:
- criminal offences
- police powers in Victoria
- what to do if you go to court for criminal charges.
See a list of all our free publications and resources, including:
- Am I old enough? Common legal issues for young people
- Drugs, the law and safer substance use
- Fines: the law, your options
- Police powers: your rights in Victoria
- Your day in court.
Resources from other organisations
The Law Handbook
Fitzroy Legal Service’s Law Handbook has information about:
Fines
The Fines website has information about the Victorian infringement process. You can also pay your fine through this website.
Victoria Police
Sentencing Advisory Council
The Sentencing Advisory Council website has information and statistics about sentencing in Victoria.
Going to court for dividing property and divorce
How we can help
Family dispute resolution can help couples who have separated to sort out disputes more quickly and easily than by going to court. Our Family Dispute Resolution Service may be able to help you.
In some regional areas we also run free divorce workshops to explain the divorce process and help participants to complete their divorce application. These are currently running at our Bendigo office. Contact the offices directly to book your place. For contact details see Our offices.
Other organisations that can help
amica
amica is a secure online platform that helps separating couples to:
- make parenting arrangements if you have children
- divide your money and property fairly
- create clear, simple written agreements about your arrangements, and
- create the documents you need if you want to turn your agreements into consent orders.
amica guides you through a user-friendly, step-by-step process, giving you information and support along the way. It is a very low-cost option and is free if either of you is on an Income Support Benefit.
Legal services
Some community legal centres have specialist family law and child support services. Most services are free. See the Community Law website to find a centre near you.
The Women's Legal Service Victoria provides free confidential legal information, advice, representation and referral to women.
You can also find a private lawyer near you through the Law Institute of Victoria’s Legal Referral Service. All law firms included in the Legal Referral Service provide a free 30-minute interview. You can use this interview to understand more about the legal issue and discuss the available options and how much they will cost. Note that the free interview is not 30 minutes of free legal advice.
Family Relationships Online
Go to Family Relationships Online or contact their advice line on 1800 050 321 to find:
- a family dispute resolution centre
- a child contact centre – where children can see their parents or where changeover from one parent to another can occur. Many contact centres also provide support programs for children and parents experiencing family breakdown
- other services that can help you reach agreement about the children.
Services Australia
Services Australia has information for families, separated parents and carers about their payments and services.
Courts
If you cannot agree with your ex-partner or if your case is not suitable for family dispute resolution, you may need to go to court. The court can make decisions about parenting orders and division of property. They can offer help, information and referral services. Go to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia website for more information.
Court Network volunteers support people at court. They are not lawyers and cannot give legal advice, but they can tell you about how court works. They can also make referrals to other community agencies for support after the hearing.
If you want to see a Court Network volunteer, tell the court staff. You can also ring them before you go to court.
Resources for going to court for dividing property and divorce
These resources will help you understand more about:
- separation and divorce
- property issues
- keeping safe from family violence.
You can download or order these publications:
- Safe at home: how to get a family violence intervention order(also available in Arabic, Chinese and Vietnamese)
- You and family law: a short guide.
See a list of all our free publications and resources.
Resources from other organisations
WIRE
WIRE's information booklet, Leaving a relationship, has information on your legal rights and options if are leaving a relationship. Includes parenting arrangements, finances, housing, court orders and getting help.
WIRE's information booklet, Separation and property has information for couples considering separation. It covers property division and settlement, financial abuse, family dispute resolution and going to court.
Help for people experiencing family violence
Emergency help
If you are experiencing family violence and the situation is urgent do not wait, contact the police on ‘000’.
Other organisations that can help
Legal services
Your local community legal centre may be able to give you legal information and advice. Some centres also provide advice and representation at court. Most services are free.
The Women's Legal Service Victoria provides free confidential legal information, advice, representation and referral for women.
Djirra (formerly the Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention and Legal Service) helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander victims of family violence and sexual assault. They provide legal and non-legal support, and work with families and communities affected by violence.
You can also find a private lawyer near you through the Law Institute of Victoria’s Legal Referral Service. All law firms included in the Legal Referral Service provide a free 30-minute interview. Note this is not 30 minutes of free legal advice but you can use this interview to understand more about your legal issue and discuss the available options and how much they will cost.
Courts
The Family Violence Magistrates' Court of Victoria website can help you find your nearest court to apply for an intervention order.
Many courts have support services that can help you on the day of your hearing. These include lawyers for family violence applicants, respondents, LGBTIQA+ and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with family violence legal need.
Court Network volunteers support people at court. They are not lawyers and cannot give legal advice, but they can tell you about how court works. They can also make referrals to other community agencies for support after the hearing.
If you want to see a Court Network volunteer, tell the court staff. You can also ring them before you go to court.
Combined legal and social support services at the Family Court
Family Advocacy and Support Services are available at the Melbourne and Dandenong Family Law Registries.
This is for people who are involved in family law proceedings and who have experienced, used or are alleged to have used family violence.
It combines specialist legal advice, risk screening, safety planning, social support and referrals for families affected by family violence. See Family Advocacy and Support Services.
Family violence support services
Family violence services for people who wish to leave, or have left, a violent relationship are available from:
- 1800RESPECT – national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service
- Centres Against Sexual Assault (CASA)
- Domestic Violence Resource Centre
- inTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence
- Men’s Referral Service/No to Violence provides referrals and assistance to men to help address their use of family violence
- Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre
- Switchboard Victoria – LGBTIQA+ support service
- The Orange Door – free service for adults, children and young people who are experiencing family violence
- Women’s Information and Referral Exchange (WIRE).
Services for respondents
The Men’s Referral Service/No to Violence provides referrals and help for men who use controlling behaviour towards a partner or family member, but also provide support and referrals to women and men seeking information on behalf of their male partners, friends or family members.
Mensline also helps men who are dealing with family violence.
Other services
Other services that may be able to help:
- Kids Helpline
- Victims of Crime
- Child Protection Emergency Service
- Child First
- Family Relationship Advice Line.
Our resources
For people applying for an intervention order
- Safe at home: how to get a family violence intervention order (also available in Arabic, Chinese and Vietnamese)
- Family violence intervention order applications – for affected family members
For people responding to an intervention order
- How to respond to a family violence intervention order
- Family violence intervention order applications – for respondents
We also have these videos:
See a list of all our free publications and resources.
Resources from other organisations
Magistrates' Court
See the Family Violence Magistrates' Court of Victoria(opens in a new window) website for applications and more information and videos.
The court also has a virtual tour of the courtroom and a video of what happens when you go to court for an intervention order hearing.
St Kilda Community Legal Service
St Kilda Legal Service with the Gender Equity Steering Committee, (including the City of Port Phillip, Stonnington City Council, Women’s Health in the South East and Bentleigh Bayside Community Health) have produced a film for young people to speak up and take action if someone they know is a victim or perpetrator of family violence.
Eastern Community Legal Centre
Eastern Community Legal Centre have produced Steps 2 Safety, a video explaining the family violence intervention order process in an easy-to-understand way. The video is also available in Arabic, Chin – Hakha, Chinese – Mandarin, Dinka, and Punjabi.
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