Information for Defendants
If you have a criminal matter in the ACT Courts and need practical information such as:
- when and where to attend,
- how to request an adjournment,
- how to lodge forms,
- what to expect at different hearings,
- your rights and responsibilities, or
- how to check or change your bail conditions
You can find up‑to‑date guidance on the ACT Courts website: courts.act.gov.au
Getting Legal Assistance
If you do not have a lawyer, the following organisations may be able to help:
- Legal Aid ACT
Provides legal information, advice appointments, and duty lawyer services.
Website: Welcome to Legal Aid ACT - ACT Law Courts
Offers guidance on court forms, filing, adjournments, what to expect in court, and courtroom processes.
Website: https://www.courts.act.gov.au/ - Community Legal Centres
Free or low‑cost legal help for specific issues (for example: youth, disability, women, tenancy). See: ACT Law Society
Obtaining the Brief of Evidence
If you do not have a lawyer, you will need to contact ACT Policing to request a copy of your brief of evidence. In most cases, ACT Policing will arrange for you to collect the brief in person from the City Police Station. You will likely need to provide identification when collecting the brief.
Contacting the DPP
You can contact the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) if you are not represented and need to:
- Check that the prosecutor has your correct contact details
- Negotiate the charges
- Serve notices under the Evidence Act 2011
Phone: (02) 6207 5399
Email: DPPReps@act.gov.au