Legal Aid for criminal charges

James outside the supreme court

Legal Aid funding is available for people who are charged with some criminal offences who meet eligibility criteria. It aims to provide funding where a person is at risk of going to jail and they are unable to pay for a private lawyer.

Can I choose my lawyer?

You do not have to be represented by a lawyer employed by Tasmania Legal Aid. A private lawyer that does legal aid work can make an application for you and also represent you if you are granted legal aid. I take on legal aid cases and would be happy to give you advice about your eligibility. Please contact me today if you would like to make a time to talk about legal aid and whether your are eligible.

Which charges are eligible for Legal Aid?

Most criminal charges are eligible for legal aid funding if there is a risk of imprisonment if the person was to be convicted of the offence. There are some charges that are specifically excluded including some driving charges, but in general the more serious the offence, the more likely you are to be able to get legal aid funding.

Who is eligible?

If you are unable to pay for a private lawyer then you are most likely to be eligible for legal aid funding. If you receive a Centrelink benefit, you have a very good chance of being eligible.

Do I have to pay anything?

If you are approved for legal aid funding it is likely that you will still have to pay a contribution, at an amount set by Legal Aid. Normally Legal Aid requires a $60 contribution. I accept Centrepay so that your legal aid contribution can be deducted from your Centrelink benefit.

Do you do Legal Aid work?

Yes. I can make an application for legal aid for you and also represent you in court. You do not have to go through Legal Aid in order to get funding and I can arrange it all for you. Please get in touch with me today if you would like to chat about your case - the first appointment is free of charge and you have no obligation to continue with me.

Get in touch

Please fill in the form below if you would like us to give you a call to discuss your situation.

You can expect a reply within one business day.

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