TITLE CARD:
This video can help you prepare for court if you are representing yourself.
You should get legal advice about the circumstances of your case before going to court.
1.
EXT. COURTHOUSE – DAY
People are walking up the steps to the courthouse.
2.
INT. COURTHOUSE FOYER – LISTINGS – DAY
Jason checks the court listings to see what courtroom he’s in.
JASON (VO):
The first time I came here was two weeks ago. I asked for an adjournment,
and they gave me two weeks to get some legal advice.
FREEZE ON JASON – TITLE
Pleading guilty and making submissions
Jason sits in the waiting area.
JASON (VO):
It was a hassle having to go back a second time but it was worth it. And I
knew my way around.
3.
INT. INTERVIEW SPACE – AFTERNOON
JASON RENWICK talks to an off-camera interviewer. He is dressed in his court clothes.
JASON:
I was heaps more organized the second time. I did ring LawAccess to get
some help.
4.
INT. LAWACCESS CALL CENTRE – DAY (FLASHBACK)
LawAccess Call Centre. We see a Customer Service Officer on the phone.
JASON (VO):
They’re a free legal information service and they can refer you to a lawyer if
you need one.
SUB-TITLE
LawAccess NSW 1300 888 529
5.
INT. INTERVIEW SPACE – CONTINUED
JASON:
Apparently, lots of people make the mistake of pleading not guilty when they
are guilty. I mean, like, I did do it. I parked in a No Standing zone. But I had
special reasons that I wanted to explain about. So it was better for me to
plead guilty and explain the reasons.
SRL (1.3) PLEADING GUILTY
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6.
INT. ROOM – DAY (FLASHBACK)
Jason with laptop is reading information online – detail of LawAssist website.
JASON (VO):
Then I got onto the LawAssist website to get some tips on what to say in
court.
7.
INT. COURTROOM – DAY
Jason is sitting in the public gallery, with his papers.
JASON (VO):
They suggested I write things down in a book, so I did. And I got a couple of
character references too.
The MAGISTRATE is on the bench.
MAGISTRATE:
Yes, Matter of Renwick. Jason Renwick?
COURT OFFICER:
Jason Renwick?
Jason stands up and walks straight to the microphone.
MAGISTRATE:
So, Mr Renwick, have you had a chance to get legal advice?
JASON:
Yes, I have, your honour.
MAGISTRATE:
And what would you like to do?
JASON:
Plead guilty your honour.
MAGISTRATE:
Very well. I'm prepared to hear the matter straight away. The charge is
parking a vehicle in a space designated no stopping. Is that right?
JASON
Yes, your Honour.
Lawyer passes papers to Court Officer. Court officer passes papers to Magistrate.
FREEZE FRAME – GRAPHIC:
You will be given a chance to see any documents handed up to the magistrate by the prosecutor.
Live Action: we hear Jason…
JASON (VO):
If you plead guilty, the magistrate might deal with you now, or later in the
day.
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MAGISTRATE:(reading quickly)
Yes I have read that.
(to Jason)
Mr Renwick, do you have anything you want to say to me before I make a
decision in your matter?
JASON:
Yes, your Honour. I would like to make a submission regarding the
circumstances of the offence.
8.
INT. INTERVIEW SPACE – CONTINUED
Jason talks to an off-camera interviewer. His tone is relaxed and conversational.
JASON:
I explained that I only stopped because there was no available parking and I
had a job interview that I didn’t want to be late for. So I just took the first
available parking space and I didn’t even look at the signs…
9.
INT. COURTROOM – DAY
Jason is finishing his submission to the Magistrate.
JASON:
...in addition, I would like you to consider these things…
Jason checking from his notes.
JASON:
… I….I work part time and I’m at TAFE part time . I earn $323 per week after
tax and from that I have to pay my rent and my food and petrol for the car.
I’ve brought bank statements, pay slips and character references from my
boss and my teacher at TAFE.
The court officer gives Jason’s papers them first to the police prosecutor who looks at them.
MAGISTRATE:
(to the Police Prosecutor)
Sergeant?
POLICE PROSECUTOR
No objection to those materials your Honour.
The court officer gives Jason’s papers to the magistrate.
MAGISTRATE:
Yes, thank you Mr Renwick, I will read these. Do you have anything further to
put to me?
JASON:
No, nothing else Your Honour.
MAGISTRATE:
Alright Mr Renwick, sit down for a minute.
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Jason sits down. Camera zooms in on him. We hear Jason's voice…
JASON (VO):
I was glad it was over. At least my bit. But I had to wait for the Magistrate to
make her decision. So I was still nervous, but pretty happy that I had said all I
wanted to say….And of course, my mouth was just about dried up, so I was
looking at the water jug on the table and wondering if lawyers got dry mouth
too.
MAGISTRATE:
Mr Renwick, please stand.
Jason stands
MAGISTRATE:
Jason Renwick, I find you guilty of the offence of parking a vehicle in a zone
designated as No stopping.
I’ve heard your explanation and I’ve considered your circumstances and in
particular that your teacher, Mr Singh, and your employer, Ms Booth, both
consider you to be a responsible and considerate individual. I also take into
account your good driving record and the fact you currently have limited
means.
FADE TO BLACK. FADE UP TITLES. MUSIC.
TITLE:
In some cases you can plead guilty in writing before your court date.
TITLE:
This video is intended as a guide to the law and procedure only. You should get legal advice about the
circumstances of your case before going to court. A lawyer can help you decide to plead guilty or not guilty.
The characters and events in this video are fictitious, and any resemblance to actual events or people is
purely coincidental.
TITLE:
Need Legal Help? Call LawAccess NSW on
1300 888 529 or visit
www.lawaccess.nsw.gov.au/lawassist
for more information about representing yourself in court.
© NSW Department of Attorney General and Justice 2013
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