Page 12 - If-you-are-suspected-of-a-criminal-offence

If you are suspected of a criminal offence

Assistance

If you have any questions about your case or your detention, the first person to
ask is your lawyer. However, you can also approach the people within the
judicial system who are directly responsible for your case. It is advisable to do
so in writing, although in urgent cases you are able to request a personal
interview. The people to contact are:

During police custody: Officer of Justice and examining judge
During detention: Officer of Justice, examining judge and
the court (judge’s chambers)
During remand: The court (judge’s chambers)
During the preliminary hearing: Officer of Justice and examining judge

If there is no preliminary hearing, Officer of Justice and examining judge
or if the preliminary hearing has
been completed:
During the period between Officer of Justice and judge
summons and verdict (president of the court)
(i.e. during the trial)
After the verdict: Officer of Justice
During an appeal:
Prior to summons being issued: Advocate General

During the period between Advocate General and President of the
summons and verdict: Court of Appeal
Thereafter: Advocate General

NB The ‘Advocate General’ is the representative of the Public Prosecution
Department in the higher courts. His role is therefore similar to that of the
Officer of Justice in the lower courts.

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