Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) may make a grant of legal assistance to a person for representation at committal proceedings if either:
- the person has been charged with homicide (including culpable driving and attempted murder)
or
- there is a real issue of consent or identification in the case.
However, if the charge or charges to which committal proceedings relate could be, and usually are, heard and disposed of in the Magistrates’ Court, then VLA will make a grant of legal assistance for representation at committal proceedings only if there are compelling reasons to do so. See Notes on trials in the County or Supreme courts for a discussion of ‘compelling reasons’.
More information
For more information and guidance on interpreting and applying this guideline see these resources:
- Notes on committal proceedings involving homicide, consent or identification
- Costs payable in criminal law matters
Also see VLA’s website for information on the Major Criminal Cases Framework.
Updated