It is important to obtain legal advice before entering a plea to the charge to find out whether you have any possible defence/s to the charge, what possible penalties you may be facing (including any mandatory minimum penalties that may be applicable including possible mandatory imprisonment), and information regarding the Court process.
If you intend to not plead guilty to a charge, it means that you dispute that you committed the offence (or that you had a defence) and that you disagree with what the police or prosecution allege in their Statement of Material Facts.
Following a plea of not guilty to an offence/s, the matter will be progressed to a trial hearing to determine whether you will be convicted (i.e. found guilty) or acquitted (i.e. found not guilty) of after all evidence is presented to the Court.
There can also be numerous procedural, programming, or directions type hearings before your matter proceeds to the final trial hearing.
Contested trial hearings in the Magistrates Court are heard before, and determined by, a Magistrate. Contested trial hearings in the District or Supreme Court are generally heard before, and determined by, a jury of your peers but can on occasions, be determined by way of judge alone.
At Prime Law, we provide advice and legal representation on all criminal and traffic offences. If you intend to plead not guilty to a charge/s, our experienced solicitors can advise and represent you in relation to defending the charge/s you are facing and can also represent you or brief experienced criminal barristers/counsel to represent you, for your trial hearing.