Unlike civil actions criminal offences are prosecuted by the State not by an individual. It is up to the police, not the victim to decide whether to charge someone with a criminal offence.

The police may decide not to charge a person if the victim indicates that they do not want the matter to proceed.

It is important to know your rights in regard to criminal charges, police questioning, arrest and bail.

If you have been charged with an offence you should speak to a criminal lawyer as soon as possible. Having a good lawyer can result in getting a lesser sentence or penalty or sometimes having no conviction recorded against you.

It is important to talk to your lawyer about how to present yourself in court.

If you are under 18 you will be part of the juvenile justice system.  In South Australia juvenile offenders are dealt with in the Youth Court.

Read more

• Police Questioning and Arrest
• Going to Court
• Victims of Crime

Useful links

• CYH – police courts and crime
• SAPOL  

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"My teenage son did a few stupid things and was charged with disorderly behaviour. Moore Law's Todd Grant appeared for him at Court. He pleaded guilty but Todd's input meant that he didn't get a conviction. That was really important to me and to my son. He doesn't need any black marks against his name at that age."

Our Lawyers 

• Robert Lawton