What do I do if I cannot attend court?

• You must do everything you can to attend court as required for every hearing including mentions.
• If you do not attend court a warrant can be issued for your arrest. Police will then arrest you and bring you before the court.
• If there exceptional circumstances why you cannot attend court then you should:
  • discuss this with your lawyer and ensure that they can go to court on your behalf and explain to the court why you are absent.
  • If you are self–represented you should contact the court and tell them you are unable to come and fax through any supporting documentation. You should also let the police or the prosecutor know.
• If there is a medical reason you should obtain a doctor's letter or report. If you have a lawyer give it to your lawyer. If you are self-represented send the letter to the court and to the prosecutor.
• A normal doctor’s certificate for work purposes will not be enough. It is important that the doctor knows why you need the letter and that it will be submitted to the court.
• If you have a lawyer they will contact you to advise you what happened at court and when the next hearing is.
• If you are self-represented you should contact the court after the hearing to find out what happened with your case and when it is next listed.
• There is no guarantee that a warrant will not be issued for your arrest even if you take these steps.
• If a warrant has issued you should immediately call a lawyer to discuss your options about when and how to hand yourself in to the police.