Are there any other occasions when a duty lawyer cannot help me?

The duty lawyer cannot represent you at hearings where evidence is to be presented and considered by the court, such as hearings to:

    determine facts for sentencing; or
    set aside bail.

The duty lawyer cannot represent you for applications that may require evidence to be presented and considered by the court, such as applications for:

    an extraordinary drivers licence
    a restraining order
    a prohibitive behaviour order
    an impounding or confiscation order for your vehicle
    a forfeiture of surety
    an order to set aside your licence suspension for non-payment of a fine or infringement.

However, if time permits, the duty lawyer may be able to provide you with advice about representing yourself in relation to such applications. You can also get information from these web pages: Extraordinary driver's licence applications and Licence suspension order for non-payment of a fine or infringement.

 

Further, a duty lawyer cannot advise or represent you in relation to the following matters:

    responding to an application for a violence restraining order
    taxation prosecutions
    shire prosecutions (other than prosecutions under the Dog Act 1976)
    prosecutions brought by government agencies or regulatory or incorporated bodies (other than prosecutions under the Animal Welfare Act 2002).

In relation to any matter where the duty lawyer cannot help you, you have the option of representing yourself or seeking help from a private lawyer.