Understanding your rights when dealing with police is crucial. Various legal services and resources are available to assist you in ensuring your rights are upheld. Below is a comprehensive guide to obtaining legal help and support for issues related to police powers.

Legal Assistance for Police-Related Matters

Legal aid services offer a range of free legal support, including assistance at court. In specific cases, you may be provided with a lawyer to represent you in legal proceedings.

• Victoria Legal Aid: Provides free information about the law and legal assistance options. You can contact them through:

• Phone: Speak directly to a legal representative at 1300 792 387
  • Online Chat: Get assistance through their website.
  • Language Support: Assistance is available in multiple languages.
  • Support for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Special services are available for those who find it difficult to hear or speak.

If Victoria Legal Aid is unable to assist, they can refer you to appropriate organisations.

Community Legal Services

• Community Legal Centres (CLCs): Your local CLC can provide free legal information and advice on police powers and related legal issues.
• Victorian Aboriginal Legal Services: These services offer legal support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. If you are Koori and taken into custody, police must notify the relevant service within one hour. They provide 24-hour support and advice through their client services officers.
• Legal Referral Services: You can find a private lawyer through legal referral services, which often offer a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your legal concerns and potential costs. Note that this is an informational session rather than free legal advice.

Support for Vulnerable Individuals

• Advocacy Services: Individuals with cognitive disabilities can access support through an independent third person (ITP) when being interviewed or subjected to police procedures such as body sample collection.

Complaints Against Police Conduct

If you believe you have been treated unfairly by the police, various organisations can assist with lodging a complaint.

Resources to Understand Your Rights

Several organisations provide publications and resources to help you understand police powers and your rights. These include:

• Am I old enough? Common legal issues for young people
• Drugs, the law and safer substance use
• Police powers: your rights in Victoria
• Informational videos about police interactions and your rights.

Additional Resources from External Organisations:

• Youth Legal Services: Provide detailed information about police powers on the street and during an arrest.
  • Street Smart Guide covers police powers, including searches, move-on orders, and arrests.
• Legal Handbooks: Comprehensive information on police arrest procedures and legal rights.

How Pentana Stanton Lawyers Can Support Your Legal Needs

At Pentana Stanton Lawyers, we understand the complexities of police powers and are committed to guiding you through every step of your legal journey. Our services include:

• Expert Criminal Law Representation: Our experienced lawyers provide strategic legal advice and dedicated representation for a wide range of criminal matters, ensuring your rights are protected.
• Family Violence and Intervention Orders: We offer expert legal support in handling intervention orders, whether you are seeking protection or responding to an order.
• Child Protection and DFFH Matters: Our legal team works with families dealing with child protection cases and the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) matters, ensuring your voice is heard and your interests are represented.

We pride ourselves on providing tailored legal solutions to help you navigate police powers with confidence and clarity. Contact us today to discuss your situation and explore your legal options.