Contacts and Resources

Contributed by Elinor Knaggs and current to March 2022.

Legal Aid

• Call the Legal Aid ACT Helpline on 1300 654 314 to discuss your matter, apply for Legal Aid or make a booking for a 30 minute consultation.Speakers of other languages can call the Helpline by calling the Translating and Interpreter Service (TIS) on 131 450 and asking to connect with the Legal Help ACT Helpline on 1300 654 314.
• Legal Aid ACT’s Criminal Duty Lawyer may be able to provide duty assistance for minor advocacy in relation to criminal charges, subject to availability on the day. The Legal Aid ACT Criminal Duty lawyer is available on weekday mornings and is located outside Courtroom 2 at the ACT Magistrates Court at 4 Knowles Place, Canberra City ACT.
• Legal representation may be available for people who qualify for legal assistance and have been charged with an offence. Phone 6243 3411 for further information. Legal Aid application forms are available in the Legal Aid office or at any of the Duty Lawyer services. They are not available online.

Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)

• The Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) assists Aboriginal people who are involved in criminal law matters. ALS can provide legal advice and representation in court, and can assist with police, bail or incarceration matters.
• For assistance with criminal law you can call ALS on 1800 765 767, or visit the ALS Canberra office at Level 7, CML Building 17-21 University Avenue, Canberra City ACT.

Street Law

• Street Law can assist people who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of experiencing homelessness, including people who do not have access to safe and secure housing, are sleeping rough, couch surfing or at risk of losing accommodation.
• Street law can assist with minor legal issues, explain options, request documents, prepare for legal matters in court and support access to other services and organisations.
• You can call Street Law on 1800 787 529 or 6218 7900. You can attend the Street Law office at Level 1, 21 Barry Drive, Turner ACT, or at a number of outreach locations, which are listed here: https://www.canberracommunitylaw.org.au/street-law.html

Police

• In an emergency, call 000.
• ACT Policing is responsible for preventing and investigating crime in the ACT. For non-urgent matters where police assistance is required, call 131 444. To report a crime, call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
• If police decide to charge a person with a criminal offence, this matter will be brought to court by the Director of Public Prosecutions (see below).

Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP)

The ACT DPP conducts criminal prosecutions in the ACT Magistrates Court and ACT Supreme Court. The DPP also assists with appeals, coroner’s investigations, confiscation of criminal assets and liaising with and considering the needs of witnesses and victims. You can contact the DPP on 6207 5399 or at the Office or the Director of Public Prosecutions, Reserve Bank Building, 20-22 London Circuit, Canberra City, ACT. Reception office hours are from 8.00am to 12.30pm and 1.15pm to 4.30pm on weekdays.