Questions for lawyers Found 20

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.

I was found with a small amount of cannabis in my bag during a routine event search. I am not a dealer, just a user. Will police prosecute or do they usually let it slide? I would like to know what steps I should take next to protect myself.

I posted some angry messages about a former friend on social media and now she has complained to the police. She says it amounts to harassment and a breach of a digital communications law. I never threatened her but I was cruel. Could I face charges?

My 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?

I have been charged with a serious offence that I intend to defend, and I am worried that publicity will destroy my career and family life before I have even been to trial. Can I ask the court to keep my name out of the media, and how likely is it?

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?

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?

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?

Someone I met online asked me to receive money into my bank account and forward it on, saying it was payment for a job. I later discovered that it was linked to a fraud. I thought I was helping and did not benefit. Can I be prosecuted?

Someone broke into our home and stole several belongings. The police have found a suspect. We are upset and confused about how the process works and whether we will be kept informed or have a say. What rights do victims have?