When you have been formally charged for committing a criminal offence, you will need to attend Court to answer to or defend the charge. You will be charged when the investigations conducted by the Police or enforcement agencies have been concluded and they have decided that there is sufficient evidence or reason to formally take…
Once all the witnesses have completed their testimonies and given evidence at the trial, the Prosecution and Defence (i.e. you or your lawyer) will present oral or written closing submissions by each summarising the evidence presented at the trial and providing reasons why the Judge should accept their respective evidence and why the Judge should…
Over the course of the criminal trial, the Prosecution will present the evidence to persuade the Court to conclude that they have proven beyond reasonable doubt that you have committed the offence alleged. Likewise, you will also present your evidence to persuade the Court to accept your basis for disputing the offence alleged or to…
Once you have decided to claim trial, the Court will schedule an administrative hearing known as a Pre-Trial Conference (PTC) to be conducted to manage the progress of the case up to the day of the trial. A PTC is a type of Court hearing which is conducted in a closed-door setting by a Judge…
When you have been formally charged in Court for a criminal offence, you will need to inform the Court of the course of action you wish to you take: Plead guilty (i.e. you wish to admit to the charge and accept that you will be punished for the offence) Claim trial (i.e. you wish to…