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- [Narrator] Legal Aid WA

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provides a duty lawyer service

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in many courts across Western Australia.

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It is just one of the ways we help with criminal charges,

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family law matters, restraining orders,

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and protection and care cases.

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Duty lawyers are lawyers who give people legal help

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on the day they go to court.

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Some things the duty lawyer can do

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are give you legal advice, refer you to other services,

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help you with court documents and negotiations,

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and speak for you in court.

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The duty lawyer is not able to help with every problem

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and cannot represent you a trial.

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The things that they can do for you

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will depend on why you are at court,

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how much time the duty lawyer has,

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and what other services there are to help you.

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If you ask to speak to the duty lawyer,

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you may be asked to pay a small amount of money.

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Just remember that they are only there

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to help on the day you go to court.

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The duty lawyer may have many people to help on the day,

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so here are some tips for when you see them.

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Be on time:

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Arrive at court early

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and put your name on the list to speak to the duty lawyer.

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Be prepared:

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Bring your court paperwork with you.

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Be patient:

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You might have to wait

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before you can talk to the duty lawyer

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and you might have to wait again

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before you go into the courtroom.

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If you have to come back to court on another day,

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you will probably talk to a different duty lawyer.

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Don't worry, we will have the lawyer's notes

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about your case from the last time you were in court.

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For more about how the duty lawyer can help you at court

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and what services there are in your area,

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look at our website and search 'Get legal help'

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or call the Infoline

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or your nearest Legal Aid WA office.