Stage 4: The court process

What happens after police charge someone?

The court process can be unpredictable and lengthy – it may take months or years. It can also be daunting, frustrating and upsetting. It may also impact your family and friends. There is support available to you. Every case is unique, so your experience might look different to other people’s experience.

Different people in the court process

Victim-survivors in the court process are called the complainant. You might also be referred to as a witness. The person who has harmed you is called the defendant.

Lawyers who prosecute in the Magistrates Court are called Police Prosecutors.

Lawyers who prosecute in the District Court and Supreme Court are called Crown Prosecutors or Legal Officers. They work for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Victim Liaison Officers also work at the DPP. Their role is to give you information and keep you updated about the progress of your case.

A judge in the Magistrates Court is called a magistrate. A judge in the District Court is called a judge. A judge in the Supreme Court is called a justice.

The defendant will usually have a lawyer representing them – they might be referred to as the defence.