Services and Support
Criminal Law Proceedings
We help people facing criminal charges related to their mental illness.
Our lawyers can represent clients in various courts in Western Australia – from local Magistrates Courts to the District and Supreme Courts of WA, as well as in the Children’s Court and specialised courts such as the Drug Court and Start Court.
FAQs
Can we help you?
If you, or someone you know, meets all of these criteria, we may be able to help:
- a diagnosed mental illness;
- a legal issue related to their mental illness;
- on a low income or experiencing financial hardship and unable to afford the services of a private lawyer; and
- seeking support in the legal areas we service.
If you are 24 years old or under, you may be eligible for the Youth Justice Project. Click here to find out more.
How do we help?
If we take your case, our team will provide advice and representation throughout the legal proceedings – at hearings, bail applications, trial and sentencing.
Our lawyers can appear for you in court and negotiate with the prosecution to have your charges reduced or withdrawn (known as discontinuance), where appropriate.
- If you have pleaded guilty, we may assist you to mitigate the offending and lessen the sentencing outcome. This may include asking for you to be referred to the courts’ diversionary programs. Many of our clients attend Start Court, which is a special support program at Perth Magistrates Court for people with mental illness who are pleading guilty.
- If you have already pleaded not guilty and want to go to trial in court, we can only agree to represent you if a suitable legal defence exists.
We specialise in matters under the Criminal Law (Mental Impairment) Act 2023 (WA), including representation at Special Proceedings where a person is found unfit to stand trial, and representation before the Mental Impairment Review Tribunal.
What legal issues can we help with?
We usually represent clients facing charges such as:
- Trespassing, disorderly conduct and obstruction of Police
- assault and serious assult
- stealing and burglary
- drug-related offences
- breach of bail or police orders
How much time do we need?
We need at least 5 working days’ notice for all criminal legal matters.
Please note, assistance is subject to capacity and conflict check.
Resources & Education
Fitness to stand trial
If a person is accused of a crime, they need to have the mental capacity to understand and take part in the court process.
Work and Development Permit Scheme
The Work and Development Permit (WDP) Scheme helps people experiencing hardship to pay their court fines through means other than financial.
Other Services
Involuntary
Treatment Orders
Care & Protection
Proceedings
Guardianship &
Administration Orders
