Get legal help
We can help if you are charged with an offence in the ACT.
We may be able to:
assist you on a one-off basis if you do not have legal representation for your court appearance
represent you on an ongoing basis if you are eligible - you will need to apply for a grant of legal aid.
If you are already charged, it is strongly recommended you apply for a grant of legal aid, otherwise our ability to help you will be limited.
Contact us
Visit our duty lawyer at court
You can get help from our lawyers on duty at the Magistrates Court.
It is free to talk to a duty lawyer, and you do not need an appointment to talk to a duty lawyer. However, the help available will depend on the duty lawyer’s capacity on the day.
Find out when our lawyers are in the Magistrates Court.
Call or email us
Phone: 1300 654 314
- Monday to Thursdays 8.30am to 7pm
- Fridays 8.30am to 5pm
Email: criminal@legalaidact.org.au
Get help from other services
AFP Complaints
If you would like to make a complaint about the AFP's actions, practices or procedures, you can make a complaint directly to them.
ACT Ombudsman
If you would like to make a complaint about police, you can go to the ACT Ombudsman. The ACT Ombudsman is an independent party who investigates complaints.
Victim Support ACT
Victim Support ACT provides information, advocacy, support and counselling services to people who have been a victim of crime.
Phone: 1800 8222 72
Resources
You can find Legal Aid factsheets on different criminal law topics below.