One option is to conduct your own defence.
I don’t recommend this. A person not legally trained will not know how criminal procedure works. They will not know, for example, how to cross-examine, object to inadmissible evidence or how to present their own evidence.
If you can’t afford the services of a lawyer, you can apply for legal aid. Legal aid is operated by the Ministry of Justice and can assist in meeting the cost of a lawyer. In some cases legal aid will fund the entire defence case, in others you will be required to repay some or all of the cost of the case.
Applications for legal aid are made by completing a legal aid application form and submitting it to the Ministry of Justice. Applications are considered primarily based upon a person’s income and whether they can afford to defend their own case. Other factors include things like the seriousness of the charge (legal aid will not be granted for some minor charges).
I have flexible payment terms and delegate work between my staff to minimise costs for my client. If you are not eligible for legal aid because of your income we may be able to reach a fees agreement.
