A standard grant of legal assistance in Victoria generally takes about 14 to 21 days to be assessed, though this varies with case complexity. Urgent matters, particularly bail applications, can be approved much faster, sometimes within days, since Victoria Legal Aid can grant assistance before all paperwork is finalised.
Yes, in most cases. A relevant Victorian conviction can appear on an Australian Police Certificate, the certificate typically required for overseas visa, immigration, or citizenship purposes. Importantly, spent convictions that wouldn’t normally appear on a standard employment police check can still be disclosed for immigration and citizenship purposes.
In limited circumstances, yes, but it requires the court’s permission, not just a change of mind. Before sentencing, you’d need to show a substantial reason why proceeding to sentence on the existing plea would be a miscarriage of justice. After sentencing, the only pathway is an appeal, which requires leave and generally must start within a strict time limit.
Yes, you can apply for bail even if you’re arrested outside normal court hours, including over a weekend. Police can grant bail directly for many charges, an independent bail justice can attend the police station, or for more serious matters, the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court runs a dedicated Bail and Remand Court from 10am to 9pm, seven days a week, including public holidays.
Common assault and aggravated assault are both charged under the Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), but aggravated assault involves specific circumstances of aggravation, such as acting in company with another person or using a weapon, which carry higher maximum penalties than common assault alone.
