TITLE CARD: This video can help you prepare for court if you are representing yourself. You should get legal advice about the circumstances of your case before going to court.
People are walking up the steps to the courthouse.
Jason checks the court listings to see what courtroom he’s in.
JASON: The first time I came here was two weeks ago. I asked for an adjournment, and they gave me two weeks to get some legal advice.
TITLE CARD: Pleading guilty and making submissions
Jason sits in the waiting area.
JASON: It was a hassle having to go back a second time but it was worth it. And I knew my way around.
JASON RENWICK talks to an off-camera interviewer. He is dressed in his court clothes.
JASON: I was heaps more organised the second time. I did ring LawAccess to get some help.
LawAccess Call Centre. We see a Customer Service Officer on the phone.
JASON: They’re a free legal information service and they can refer you to a lawyer if you need one.
TITLE: LawAccess NSW 1300 888 529
JASON: Apparently, lots of people make the mistake of pleading not guilty when they are guilty. I mean, like, I did do it. I parked in a No Standing zone. But I had special reasons that I wanted to explain about. So it was better for me to plead guilty and explain the reasons.
Jason is sitting in the public gallery, with his papers. The Magistrate is on the bench.
MAGISTRATE: Yes, Matter of Renwick. Jason Renwick?
COURT OFFICER: Jason Renwick?
Jason stands up and walks straight to the microphone.
MAGISTRATE: So, Mr Renwick, have you had a chance to get legal advice?
JASON: Yes, I have, Your honour.
MAGISTRATE: And what would you like to do?
JASON: Plead guilty Your Honour.
MAGISTRATE:Very well. I'm prepared to hear the matter straight away. The charge is parking a vehicle in a space designated no stopping. Is that right?
JASON: Yes, Your Honour.
Lawyer passes papers to court officer. Court officer passes papers to Magistrate.
GRAPHIC: You will be given a chance to see any documents handed up to the magistrate by the prosecutor.
JASON: If you plead guilty, the magistrate might deal with you now, or later in the day.
MAGISTRATE: Yes I have read that.
(to Jason)
Mr Renwick, do you have anything you want to say to me before I make a decision in your matter?
JASON: Yes, Your Honour. I would like to make a submission regarding the circumstances of the offence.
Jason talks to an off-camera interviewer. His tone is relaxed and conversational.
JASON: I explained that I only stopped because there was no available parking and I had a job interview that I didn’t want to be late for. So I just took the first available parking space and I didn’t even look at the signs…
...in addition, I would like you to consider these things…
Jason checking from his notes.
JASON:… I….I work part time and I’m at TAFE part time. I earn $323 per week after tax and from that I have to pay my rent and my food and petrol for the car. I’ve brought bank statements, pay slips and character references from my boss and my teacher at TAFE.
The court officer gives Jason’s papers them first to the police prosecutor who looks at them.
MAGISTRATE :(to the Police Prosecutor) Sergeant?
POLICE PROSECUTOR: No objection to those materials Your Honour.
The court officer gives Jason’s papers to the Magistrate.
MAGISTRATE: Yes, thank you Mr Renwick, I will read these. Do you have anything further to put to me?
JASON: No, nothing else Your Honour.
MAGISTRATE: Alright Mr Renwick, sit down for a minute.
Jason sits down. Camera zooms in on him. We hear Jason's voice…
JASON: I was glad it was over. At least my bit. But I had to wait for the Magistrate to make her decision. So I was still nervous, but pretty happy that I had said all I wanted to say….And of course, my mouth was just about dried up, so I was looking at the water jug on the table and wondering if lawyers got dry mouth too.
MAGISTRATE: Mr Renwick, please stand.
Jason stands
MAGISTRATE: Jason Renwick, I find you guilty of the offence of parking a vehicle in a zone designated as No Stopping.
I’ve heard your explanation and I’ve considered your circumstances and in particular that your teacher, Mr Singh, and your employer, Ms Booth, both consider you to be a responsible and considerate individual. I also take into account your good driving record and the fact you currently have limited means.
TITLE: In some cases you can plead guilty in writing before your court date.
This video is intended as a guide to the law and procedure only. You should get legal advice about the circumstances of your case before going to court. A lawyer can help you decide to plead guilty or not guilty.
