Legal Workflow Practice Management

An arrest warrant is a written court order that gives police the power to arrest you and bring you to court in custody. It can be made by a judge or magistrate if you fail to go court when required.

If a warrant has been issued for your arrest, you should attend court as soon as possible. If you have a genuine reason for missing your court date (eg medically unfit or an emergency) you should bring evidence of this with you.

Find out more about what can happen if you don't attend court in a criminal matter https://www.legalaid.wa.gov.au/find-legal-answers/crime/going-court-criminal-charge/bail

Confidence, Resilience and Strength

One of the rewards of working at Legal Aid WA is seeing the difference you can make in someone's life. Kate* had recently been assaulted by her ex-partner during handover of their children. She came to court unrepresented, while her ex-partner had a lawyer. Our Domestic Violence Legal Unit duty lawyer helped Kate to apply for a family violence restraining order and advocated for her in court.

The matter was resolved with orders in place to protect Kate and her children, while still allowing safe contact with her ex-partner under a parenting plan. Our legal help ensured the safety of Kate and her children whilst shielding her from the trauma and confrontation associated with legal proceedings.

*Not their real name

The security guards or railway police you see on buses and trains are called “transit officers”.

Transit officers have many powers, including the power to ask you questions, search you, remove you from a train or bus, and even arrest you. There are laws about when they can use these powers, so it is important you know your rights when dealing with them.

For more information on transit officer powers, see https://www.legalaid.wa.gov.au/find-legal-answers/crime/under-arrest-and-police-powers/powers-transit-officers

If you think a transit officer has mistreated you or broken the law, you have the right to report the incident to the police, or make a complaint to the PTA using the following link: https://pta.wa.gov.au/about-us/complaints-and-comments

Legal Aid WA and our partner organisations are committed to ensure people affected by the bushfires (and other natural disasters) in WA receive legal help.

We provide free information, legal advice, assistance and referrals to people on a range of legal issues that might arise following natural disaster events, including: insurance, mortgage and debt, property, housing and accommodation, and replacing documents.

If you need help, please call us on 1300 650 579 or email [email protected] .

You can also find a range of free resources, including videos and fact sheets on natural disasters at https://www.legalaid.wa.gov.au/find-legal-answers/money/natural-disasters

Legal Aid WA continues to service clients and the community during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown announced as of today. Please visit our website for regular updates.

https://www.legalaid.wa.gov.au/get-legal-help/covid-19-how-we-can-help

https://www.legalaid.wa.gov.au/get-legal-help/covid-19-how-we-can-help/covid-19-service-changes

2021 Bookings are now available!

Legal Aid WA provides FREE community legal education to young people, educators and community groups on a range of topics, including:
- Cyber bullying
- S*xting and image-based abuse
- S*x and consent
- School fights
- Family violence
- Drugs and alcohol
- Driving
- Police Powers
- and More!

To find out more or to book a presenter, see https://resources.legalaid.wa.gov.au/project/rulegal

Calling all young people with disability - share your ideas to help improve our service! Your Story Disability Legal Support invites you to a free online workshop to hear your ideas about how we can better promote and deliver our services to young people with disability.

Join us on Tuesday, 9 February 2021 to tell us what you think.

More details or to register: https://bit.ly/38es2AW

If you want to use your mobile phone as a map while driving or riding it must be securely mounted to your car. You must also set the route and press start before you start driving. If it is not secure or you touch it while driving, the police can fine you $1,000 and 4 demerit points (8 demerit points over a holiday period).

For more information on driving and mobile phone laws, see https://www.legalaid.wa.gov.au/find-legal-answers/crime/traffic-offences/mobile-phones-speeding-and-other-infringements

Do you have money worries? Do you owe someone money? Have you been contacted by a debt collector or bank?

Legal Aid WA has a range of information on our website that may be able to help you with your money and debt problems.

Find out more online at https://www.legalaid.wa.gov.au/find-legal-answers/money or call 1300 650 579.

The Christmas and New Year holiday period can be a difficult time for families.

If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence then we have services that can help.

Call us on 1300 650 579 or chat to us online at www.legalaid.wa.gov.au to find out what legal options are available to you.

Remember, if you, or your children are at risk of immediate harm, call the police. In an emergency call 000.