Going to court for the first time can be daunting and it is especially so if you’ve been charged with a crime. You might not know what to expect or what to do and this can make it a very nerve wracking experience, regardless of whether you might be guilty or innocent of the offence that you’ve been charged with. In this post, we take a closer look at what to expect for your first court appearance in Victoria if you’ve been charged with a less serious offence and asked to appear at the Magistrate’s Court for a mention hearing.
What is a Mention Hearing?
Most less serious offences such as drink driving, accused individuals are usually given a summons or a notice to appear in court for a mention hearing. A mention hearing is typically the first time that you go to court and it is where you will need to decide whether or not you wish to plead guilty to the charge. If you decide to plead guilty, the magistrate may issue a sentence on the spot or they may adjourn the sentencing to a later date. On the other hand, if you decide to plead not guilty, the case typically moves to a contest mention that often involves multiple court appearances at later dates.
Preparing for Your Mention Hearing
Since the mention hearing is usually the first time that most people appear in court, many accused individuals are often anxious and unsure of how to prepare. Here are some steps you can take to prepare yourself for your mention hearing:
Personal Preparation
Courtrooms are solemn venues and there is often a dress code that is expected of all parties who come before a judge. Generally, the dress code will be stated in your notice to appear and you will often want to dress formally as a sign of respect and to show the judge that you are taking the case seriously. You should also read up about courtroom etiquette in advance to ensure that you don’t make any blunders that can harm your case.
Engaging Legal Representation
Another step you can take that can help you calm your nerves before your mention hearing is to engage legal representation. An experienced criminal lawyer will often be able to advise you on the specific legal issues in your case and can often also provide guidance on how to achieve the best possible outcome given the facts of your case.
Choosing a Good Criminal Lawyer
Choosing a good criminal lawyer is extremely important and the outcome of your case can be heavily influenced by the skill and expertise of your lawyer. Leanne Warren and Associates is a leading criminal defence firm based in Melbourne and our criminal lawyers have decades of experience in helping our clients achieve the best possible outcomes in their criminal cases. Contact us today for a free consultation to find out how we can help you!
