Conditsis

Character References  – How they can help if you are going to Court

• Written references about your good character can help your case in Court.
• It’s a good idea to obtain one of more references from people who are ‘of good reputation’. This means they do not have a criminal record of a bad reputation. These people may be neighbours, family friends, workmates, members of clubs or organisations you belong to (eg community, sporting, religious, political or other groups).
• Each reference should be:
  • Addressed to “The Presiding Magistrate”;
  • Original (ie not photocopied etc);
  • Neatly written or typed;
  • Signed by the writer of the reference, with the name of the person printed underneath;
  • Dated;
• Each reference should include the following;
  • A statement from the person writing the reference that s/he are of the charges before the Court and, if possible, that the offences are ‘out of character’ for you;
  • How long the person has known you;
  • How the person knows you (eg as an employer, workmate, priest, teacher, team member, family friend, flatmate etc);
  • The person’s opinion of your character;
  • Anything which might help the Court concerning your charges (eg your general honesty if it is a stealing charge; your general driving ability if it’s a drink driving charge etc);

Courtroom Etiquette

Going to court can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. Below are some tips outlining court etiquette and procedures.

1. Ensure you are well dressed and presented as a mark of respect.
2. If you forget when your matter is next listed in Court and you can’t get in contact with us, you can check with the Court or go to www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au – and go to either the Local Court’s or District Court’s section, whichever is in the case.
3. Always arrive at least 5 minutes early (unless we tell you otherwise).
4. Sunglasses, hats, caps etc are NOT to be worn in the Courtroom.
5. Do not take food or drink into the Courtroom.
6. Turn your mobile phone OFF (and not just on silent as it can affect the microphones) – or it may be confiscated.
7. When the court is ready to begin, a member of the court staff will open a door behind the Bench (where the Judge/Magistrate office is situated) and call “Silence, all stand”. Everyone in the courtroom then stands, and once the judge/magistrate has walked in, everyone will bow towards the Bench.
8. In the event that you are required to speak to the Judge/Magistrate please refer to the Magistrate or Judge as “Your Honour”.
9. If you arrive when court is already sitting, quietly open the door, bow towards the Bench and take a seat in the public gallery (the seats at the back of the Court).
10. If you leave Court, you should walk towards the door, turn to the bench and bow toward the Judge or Magistrate before exiting the Court.

Thing you can do to help us?

• Tell us everything, about your matter, even if you think it is not important, or may complicate your matter.
• Tell us your expectations in your matter.
• Read all our letters and enclosures carefully, and tell us as soon as possible of any errors or inaccuracies.
• Keep all of our letters and correspondence we send you in a safe place.
• Give us instructions as soon as possible, if we ask for them.
• Ensure that you sign our Cost Agreement, and if applicable, return it to us as soon as possible.
• Arrive for appointments on time, and unless there is no other option, without children, so that you will be able to pay close attention to what we have to say.