Steps to Take After Being Charged with a Criminal Offence

Finding yourself charged with a criminal offence can be overwhelming and confusing. You might be asking yourself, “What do I do now?” Understanding what happens when you are charged with a crime is the first step toward taking control of your situation. Here’s a practical guide on what to do if you’ve been charged with a criminal offence in Australia.

Stay Calm & Composed

It’s easy to panic when you’re confronted with criminal charges, but keeping a level head is crucial. Remember, reacting emotionally could worsen the situation. Focus on understanding the situation instead of reacting impulsively. Take deep breaths and prepare to handle the matter logically.

Seek Legal Advice Immediately

One of the most important steps you can take is to get in touch with a criminal lawyer as soon as possible. It’s essential to have a professional by your side who can explain the legal process, discuss your options and protect your rights. Even if the charge seems minor, it’s always advisable to have legal representation to avoid any unintended consequences.

Understand the Charges Against You

Once you’ve been charged, it’s critical to understand what the charges entail. Are they indictable or summary offences? What are the possible consequences if convicted? Your lawyer can explain the severity of the charges and what this could mean for your future.



Understanding the charges helps you and your lawyer craft an appropriate defence. 

Do Not Speak Without Legal Representation

After being charged, you may feel the urge to explain yourself to the police or others involved in the case. However, it’s important to remain silent until you have spoken to a lawyer. Anything you say could be used against you later in court, even if it seems harmless at the time.

Gather Evidence & Documentation

Any relevant evidence, documents or information that could support your defence should be collected and preserved. This includes witness statements, emails or even CCTV footage. Your lawyer will work with you to gather all the necessary materials to build a strong defence case.

Follow Court Orders & Attend Hearings

Once charged, the court may impose certain conditions, such as bail terms or restrictions on your movements. It’s critical to comply with these conditions fully. Failure to do so can result in additional charges or more severe consequences.



Additionally, it’s important to attend all your court hearings and appearances. Missing a scheduled appearance could complicate your case and might result in further legal consequences.

Prepare for Court with Your Lawyer

Before your first court appearance, it’s helpful to meet with your lawyer to go over your case in detail. Take the time to fully understand the legal arguments that will be made in your defence. It can also be useful to practise how you’ll respond to questions in court.

Book a Consultation with Our Criminal Lawyers

At David Tamanika Solicitors, we understand how overwhelming it might be to face criminal charges. Our criminal lawyers in Ballarat are here to provide guidance, helping you navigate the legal process. We handle all aspects of criminal law in Ballarat, offering the support and advice you need to make informed decisions about your case. Contact us today to see how we can assist you.