If I am the victim in a criminal case do I need a lawyer when the case goes to trial?

• No. In all Australian states and territories criminal cases are taken to court by a government department known as the Department of Public Prosecutions.
• The DPP acts on behalf of the state in an attempt to prove ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’ that the defendant committed the offence.
• The DPP or police prosecution lawyer does not act for you. They act for the state or territory.

However as the victim you are the prosecution’s main witnesses and they would usually be able to provide you with some information and assistance throughout the trial if you need it.