Free legal aid in criminal matters protects the rights of detained, suspected and accused persons, as well as victims and witnesses in the cases provided by law.
The detaining authority must notify the Free Legal Aid system immediately. A person who has been detained should clearly request a lawyer and avoid signing documents they do not understand.
Who can receive assistance
Detained persons
Defence from the moment of actual detention and confidential communication with a lawyer.
Suspected or accused persons
Appointed defence where participation of a lawyer is mandatory or the law otherwise provides it.
Victims and witnesses
Advice is available to everyone; secondary legal aid depends on statutory eligibility and the person’s procedural status.
People serving a sentence
Legal aid concerning sentence enforcement, conditions of detention and other protected rights.
What a lawyer can do
- meet the client confidentially and explain procedural rights;
- participate in investigative and court proceedings;
- challenge detention, procedural decisions or violations of rights;
- prepare applications, complaints, motions and appeals.
Someone has just been detained?
Call 0 800 213 103 and provide the person’s full name, location and known circumstances of detention.