Access free legal services
You are entitled to free legal aid if you are arrested or charged with an offence or if you are the victim of a crime. To find out where and how to access these services follow the information below.
Outcome
To know where to access free legal services if I am the victim of a crime or charged with an offence
Let's start with why this is important:
- if you are arrested or charged with an offence, you have the right to legal aid
- if you are a victim of crime, understanding your reactions from past traumatic events can be helpful
- You are also entitled to legal aid and many counselling and crisis support services such as:
VICTORIA LEGAL AID 1300 792 387
VICTORIAN ABORIGINAL LEGAL SERVICE 1800 064 865
Information
WRHC's 'Once Upon A Crime' is a short animation that explains the impact of crime and gives strategies for recovery. It is particularly helpful in the months after the crime has occurred, but is useful at any stage for someone who has experienced or witnessed a crime.
For video transcript, click here.
If you don’t like the way you are being treated by police, take down the name and number of the officer and get some legal advice about how to make a complaint. If you are injured, see a doctor as soon as possible.
What to do next
I have been charged with an offence and I need legal advice
Youthlaw provides legal advice and casework services to people under 25. The Youthlaw site has info about legal issues relevant to young people including school, police mistreatment of young people, and employment. You can contact them on 03 9611 2412 or info@youthlaw.asn.au
Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service provides legal services and information for people from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background. You can call them on 1800 064 865 (free call).
Victoria Legal Aid provides legal aid to anyone in the community who needs it, in an efficient and affordable way. You can call them on 1300 792 387.
Finally, there are a number of Community Legal Centres (CLCs) operating throughout Victoria who may be able to provide advice and assistance. Contact their head office on (03) 9652 1500 or administration@fclc.org.au
I am the victim of a crime and I need financial/emotional support
Call the Victims of Crime Helpline on 1800 819 817
Who can help victims of crime? What happens when a crime is investigated and prosecuted? Clear answers are provided in a booklet provided by the Victims Support Agency. Download it,
A Victim's Guide to Support Services and the Criminal Justice System or call the Victims of Crime Helpline, 1800 819 817 for a free copy.
More Information & Services
Legal Aid guide to what to do when you get arrested
Youth Central's guide on where to get legal advice
Federation of Community Legal Centres
A list of community legal centres that can help
All Legal
