FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What regions and Courts do you work in?
We generally work across the Criminal Law Courts in the Wellington region, however, we have appeared in Criminal Law Courts as far north as Whangarei and as far south as Invercargill. Call or email us to see if we can help you.
2. What Criminal Law Charges Can You Help Me With?
We specialise in Criminal Law, it’s all we do, and it’s all we’ll ever do. Specifically, we can help you with all criminal law charges, including arson, assaults, drink driving, drug offences, work/limited licences, burglary, fraud, manslaughter, murder, receiving stolen goods, sexual offences, and theft.
3. What will it cost?
We understand that cost is something that concerns a lot people when they are facing criminal charges. As you would imagine the costs of defending a charge depend on the time it takes. The criminal law process varies a lot, for example, some cases last less than a day and some can last months. For these reasons, it is impossible to give you a cost estimate here. Instead, most people call or email us and tell us about their situation, usually we’re be able to give them an estimate of the time and cost involved. In all cases this initial call is free and you are under no obligation to use our services.
4. Do you take Legal Aid funded clients?
Absolutely. However, the rules concerning Legal Aid have recently been complicated. Generally speaking, the Legal Aid scheme does not allow you to choose your own defence lawyer. However, if your case is considered serious enough, usually when your charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment or more, you have the right to choose your criminal lawyer. The rules are complicated but feel free to call or email us to discuss your options.
5. Do I qualify for legal aid?
Legal Aid in New Zealand is complicated, much turns on your financial circumstances and your charge. To find out whether you qualify for a criminal lawyer under Legal Aid you’ll need to contact the Legal Services Agency. Note, that under the new legal aid system, for most criminal law cases you will not be allowed to choose the criminal lawyer you want. Instead the Government will select your criminal lawyer for you.
6. How Long Will My Case Take?
Criminal law cases vary greatly; some criminal law cases last less than a day, others more than a month. Most people call or email us and tell us about their situation, in most cases we’re be able to give them an estimate of the total time involved. In all cases this initial call is free and you are under no obligation to use our services.
Antunović Law, Wellington, Criminal Lawyers