When a person is charged with an offence (whether criminal or traffic-related), they are issued with a Court Attendance Notice (CAN) requiring them to appear in court on a specified date. If you receive a CAN, it is crucial to seek legal advice before deciding to plead guilty or not guilty, as you may not be legally responsible for the allegations made against you.

If you believe you have a valid defence, you can contest the charges and proceed to a hearing. During the hearing, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the offence. If they fail to meet this burden of proof, the charges may be dismissed.

Additionally, there may be specific legal provisions applicable to your case. For example, under Section 32 of the Mental Health (Forensic Provisions) Act 1990 (NSW), individuals suffering from a mental condition may avoid a trial and instead follow a court-approved treatment plan, such as attending sessions with a psychologist. These are known as s32 Applications.

Making the wrong legal decision can have severe consequences. At KPA Solicitors, our expert lawyers provide the right legal guidance to help you defend your charges effectively. If you are facing an offence, contact our team today to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.