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A criminal charge

Information for adults about your rights when dealing with the police and going to court for a criminal charge.

Police and my rights

Police and my rights

Find out more about police powers and your rights and responsibilities when dealing with the police.
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Types of criminal charges

Types of criminal charges

Find out more about the different types of criminal charges, and the punishments for these charges.
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Going to court for a criminal charge

Going to court for a criminal charge

Find out more about what happens if you need to go to court.
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Bail

Bail

Find out more about what bail is, how to apply for bail and bail conditions.
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After the court makes a decision in your criminal case

After the court makes a decision in your criminal case

Find out more about what happens after court and the penalties that may apply If you decided to plead guilty, or if you were found guilty after a hearing.
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Restitution

Restitution

Find out more about what to do if you have received an Order for Restitution from Victims Services or Revenue NSW.
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Contact us

If you have a legal problem in NSW, Legal Aid NSW is here to help you.

Charges and AVOs

This page has information about what happens if you are charged with an offence and served with an application for an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO).

Prisoner

Information about your rights as a prisoner in a NSW prison.

Going to court: A guide to the Local Court

This guide explains what to do if you have received a Court Attendance Notice for a criminal offence and have to go to a Local Court in New South Wales.

Police powers: Your rights and responsibilities

This brochure helps you understand police powers and what rights and responsibilities you have in different situations.

Forms - A criminal charge

This page has the instructions, sample forms and other documents in this topic.

Legal words

This dictionary explains some common legal words you may see when dealing with your legal problem.

Last updated: September 2026

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