Defend yourself: facing charges in court
by Tim Anderson.
2nd edition, The Federation Press, 2008.
A practical guide to defending a criminal charge in court which covers arrest and questioning, bail, dealing with lawyers, court procedure, how to plead, hearings and trials, preparation, evidence, proof, examination in court, sentencing, and appeals.
Copies of this book are also available in the Tool Kit at your local public library.
About this book
Tim Anderson is a senior lecturer in political economy, who has been through every stage of the criminal system and successfully represented himself several times.
Introduction
A practical guide to defending a criminal charge in court which covers arrest and questioning, bail, dealing with lawyers, court procedure, how to plead, hearings and trials, preparation, evidence, proof, examination in court, sentencing, and appeals.
Arrest and questioning
This section deals with identification and arrest, police questioning, detention for questioning, custody managers, taking forensic samples, and charging.
Bail
This section deals with entitlements to bail, bail conditions, and breaching bail.
Lawyers
This section covers dealings with lawyers, and legal representation.
Self-representation
Points to consider when representing yourself in court.
Court procedure
This section discusses putting things on the record, court appearances and court protocol.
Pleas
This section deals with what to consider before making a plea, when to plead guilty and when to plead not guilty.
Hearings and trials
This section describes the basic processes of hearings, committals, and trials.
Preparation
Covers the important research and preparation required for a court case.
Evidence
This section explains the basics of evidence, proof, examination, cross-examination, re-examination of witnesses, important categories of evidence, and making objections.
Sentencing
This section covers evidence and submissions, possible sentences, sentence indications, and costs.
Appeals
How to appeal, appeals against magistrate and jury convictions, appeals against sentence, and special inquiries in NSW.
Character references
How written statements about your character may help in your court case.
Further information
Court diagrams and how to find legal information.
Copyright © 2008 Tim Anderson. All rights reserved.
Material reproduced from Defend Yourself: Facing a Charge in Court, 2nd edition, published by The Federation Press in Sydney, Australia. Reproduced with permission.
No part of this page may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without permission in writing from The Federation Press.
