I was living with my girlfriend in Adelaide. She convinced me to go with her to her uncle’s house to take back a stereo that she said was hers. He tried to stop her taking it and I accidentally pushed him over while trying to protect her. She grabbed the stereo and we left. On the way home I had a huge argument with my girlfriend and broke up with her. I went to Sydney and booked myself into a drug and alcohol rehabilitation clinic and started a new job. I am a different person now but the police have tracked me down and want to extradite me to face charges. Do I really need to get a lawyer? Can’t I just explain what happened and say I am sorry?
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Answer by Miranda Bond, Melbourne 3000 VIC
- It is important to have legal representation at an extradition hearing as you will need to cross examine (question) police officers involved in your case. Cross-examination can be crucial and can reveal the strengths and witnesses of their case.
- You can represent yourself but it is a much better idea to seek the representation of a lawyer who knows this area of law.
- A lawyer will also be able to advise you on the validity of the warrant.
- It is also best to have legal representation if you want to apply for bail at the extradition hearing. This will allow you to make your own arrangements for attending the court in SA rather than being imprisoned while you wait for your trial.