Who is allowed to attend a defended hearing?

Defended hearings are generally conducted in open court, meaning that members of the public, including media, may be present. If either the defence or the prosecution thinks that a magistrate’s decision is unfair or that they have made an error of law, they can file an appeal to the District Court.

Can a case be adjourned for a defended hearing?

If they plead not guilty, the matter will be adjourned for a defended hearing. Defended hearings are trials in front of a magistrate who hears evidence and submissions and then makes a decision as to whether the offence has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

What to expect at a criminal law hearing?

Serious consideration needs to be given to gathering evidence to mount the defence case – such as by issuing subpoenas, taking photographs, visiting the scene of the alleged crime, interviewing potential witnesses, gathering character evidence material, requesting expert reports where necessary etc. A defended criminal law hearing is an event.

What happens if I don’t show up for my bail hearing?

When an accused is placed on bail, they must attend court on the date they are bailed to. Failure to appear will generally result in a warrant for their arrest being issued. If the matter is very minor, the accused may not be placed on bail but simply summonsed to appear at court on the hearing date.

Do you need a lawyer for a bail hearing?

Suspects typically benefit from legal representation at a bail hearing. Experienced attorneys know the factors that particular judges find important when considering a request for lowered bail or O.R. release.

Who is the hearing officer for a dog bite case?

The hearing officer (a different animal control officer, a police officer who does duty as a hearing officer, or a judge) has to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to rule that the dog fits that description.

Can a Hon’ble Court judge remember everything?

It is not always possible for the Hon’ble Judge hearing the case to remember everything. Yet the Hon’ble Court is presumed to have “total recall”. You cannot be honest and start submissions by saying “To remind your Lordship:. The usual phrase is “Just to recapitulate for my own benefit”.

What to do if you are late to a court hearing?

If you know they are going to be late, contact the court as soon as possible. At the beginning of your hearing, the Registrar will announce the Queen’s judge and all present will be asked to stand as the judge enters. When your case is called, you should introduce yourself, after the prosecutor has done so.