The Client has been experiencing ongoing mental health problems for a long period of time. However, the Client has stopped taking his medication as he no longer can afford his prescriptions. Furthermore, the Client instructed that his prescribed medications are not required as he is mentally of sound mind as of present time.
The Client had been charged with breaching Covid restrictions by crossing the regional borders and entering Melbourne, past curfew, in order to attend a medical appointment. The medical appointment was 2-3 days from when the Client crossed the border and he crossed in the early hours of the morning.
The Client has other criminal matters and Court hearings were spread out for all his various matters. Client instructed to enter guilty pleas on all the charges and have it heard in one Court hearing. The matter is to resolve by means of a consolidated plea in later half of 2021 and requesting the Client be placed on a Community Corrections Order.
Obtaining clear instructions from the Client was difficult at times due to his mental health problems. Communicating with the Client in general was also difficult, as he did was not always available to converse and was not stationary at his primary place of residence. The client has also incurred additional criminal charges for driving while suspended.
Client was overwhelmed by the many different legal problems he was facing. BGCLS Covid team were able to assist him in putting together a plan of action. This included referring him to our client advocate who could assist with client’s non legal needs and ensuring that he was safe, sheltered and able to pay for his medicines.
“I don’t mind going to jail, I’ll get three free meals a day.”
By consolidating his matters with the Court and preparing a plea in mitigation, our client is able to have confidence that he will not be going to jail and that he will receive a fair outcome.
The Client had been charged with breaching Covid restrictions by crossing the regional borders and entering Melbourne, past curfew, in order to attend a medical appointment. The medical appointment was 2-3 days from when the Client crossed the border and he crossed in the early hours of the morning.
The Client has other criminal matters and Court hearings were spread out for all his various matters. Client instructed to enter guilty pleas on all the charges and have it heard in one Court hearing. The matter is to resolve by means of a consolidated plea in later half of 2021 and requesting the Client be placed on a Community Corrections Order.
Obtaining clear instructions from the Client was difficult at times due to his mental health problems. Communicating with the Client in general was also difficult, as he did was not always available to converse and was not stationary at his primary place of residence. The client has also incurred additional criminal charges for driving while suspended.
Client was overwhelmed by the many different legal problems he was facing. BGCLS Covid team were able to assist him in putting together a plan of action. This included referring him to our client advocate who could assist with client’s non legal needs and ensuring that he was safe, sheltered and able to pay for his medicines.
“I don’t mind going to jail, I’ll get three free meals a day.”
By consolidating his matters with the Court and preparing a plea in mitigation, our client is able to have confidence that he will not be going to jail and that he will receive a fair outcome.
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To find out more about the service please follow this link: About Us
BGCLS Acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the region we service, their diversity, histories and knowledge and their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their Elders past present and emerging.
To find out more about the service please follow this link: About Us
BGCLS Acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the region we service, their diversity, histories and knowledge and their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their Elders past present and emerging.
Many images of Ballarat and surrounds by photographer, Andrew Thomas. Visit Andrew's website to see more of his beautiful images - http://www.andrewthomasphotographer.com/