Victorian Consolidated Legislation

Magistrates' Court Act 1989 - SECT 39

Legal representation

39. Legal representation

If-

   (a)  a defendant is charged with an offence punishable by imprisonment; and

   (b)  the defendant is unrepresented on his or her first appearance before
        the Court in respect of the charge-

the Court must-

   (c)  ask the defendant whether he or she has sought legal advice; and

   (d)  if satisfied that the defendant has not had a reasonable opportunity
        to obtain legal advice, grant an adjournment if so requested by the
        defendant.