Questions and answers about Criminal Law
I have a pile of unpaid court fines and I know the court collectors have been in touch. I have been told that people can be jailed for fines. How real is the risk, and what can I do to sort this out? Nobody has given me a straight answer and I want to understand where I actually stand.
A man came at me in a car park and I punched him to protect myself and my friend. He was hurt more than I expected and the police are now looking at me. How does the law treat self-defence and can I be held responsible?
Two officers came to my door and asked me to come to the station for a voluntary chat about an incident that happened at a party. They said it would be easier if I just explained my side. I am nervous about saying something wrong. Do I have to go, and should I speak to them?
A family member was arrested and the police said they will oppose bail. We do not understand what the court looks at or what conditions might be imposed. How does bail work in New Zealand, and what can we do to improve the chances of release?
After a work function I was stopped at a checkpoint and my breath alcohol reading was over the legal limit. I have not been charged yet but I got a notice. I rely on my licence to do my job. What are the penalties and can I challenge the result?
My 15-year-old was arrested after being caught with a group who broke into a shed. Police want to talk to my child and I do not know what rights they have. Do teenagers appear in the same courts as adults, and what should I be doing?
I received an infringement notice for speeding through a fixed camera, but I was elsewhere on the day, and my car may have been misread. The fine is hefty and I could lose demerit points. How do I dispute it and what will happen if I fail?
A protection order was applied for, how does that affect my criminal case? 1 answer
1 answerMy ex has applied for a protection order and the police also charged me with breaching a previous condition. I am confused about how the two processes work together. Does the protection order count as a criminal matter, and what happens if I breach it?
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