Before prison: The criminal court process
What this chapter covers
- Introduction
- Dealing with the police
What to do if you’re treated unfairly - Lawyers and legal aid
How to get legal advice and what you need to apply for legal aid - Going to court
What to expect, who can go with you and when you can get name suppression - Pleading guilty or not guilty
Help deciding what to do, what happens if you plead guilty or not guilty and changing your plea - Te reo Māori and NZ Sign Language in court
Your right to language, and getting an interpreter - Restorative justice
What is restorative justice and when you can take part - Bail Release: into the community during your court case
What is bail, how the judge decides to release you or not, what happens if you break bail conditions and re-applying for bail if you’re turned down - “Remand in custody”: Being held in prison during your court case
What happens when you’re in remand - Your trial
What happens at a trial and your right to be silent - Sentencing
How the judge decides your sentence and what sentences (other than prison) you could be given like home detention and fines - Appeals
When you can appeal your sentence or conviction - Getting your fines wiped (“remitted”)
Asking the judge and when might make your sentence longer
