The Law Handbook 2024

Chapter 6.8: Driving offences 659 Traffic offences heard in the Magistrates’ Court If you have been charged with a traffic offence that is to be heard in the Magistrates’ Court, you have a number of options about your appearance in court: 1 You can represent yourself. However, this can be difficult for people with no legal experience. (See Chapter 2.3: Representing yourself in court.) 2 You can pay a lawyer to represent you in court. This can be expensive (e.g. over $1000 a day). 3 While legal aid is not generally available for traffic offences, a duty lawyer at court may be able to provide free legal advice and representation on the day of the court hearing. 4 You can use Robot Lawyers Australia (see below). However, this technology is in its infancy and should be approached with caution. More information Robot Lawyers is a free online service for people who cannot afford a lawyer, and who have committed minor driving offences. Robot Lawyers Australia Web: www.robot-lawyers.com.au Contacts VicRoads Tel: 13 11 71 Web: www.vicroads.vic.gov.au Fines Victoria Ground floor, 277 William Street, Melbourne Vic 3000 Tel (infringement inquiries): 9200 8111; 1300 369 819 Web: https://online.fines.vic.gov.au