This Video Can Help You Prepare for Court If You Are Representing Yourself

TITLE CARD: This video can help you prepare for court if you are representing yourself. You should get legal advice about the circumstances of your case before going to court.

1. INT. WAITING AREA AND COURT LISTINGS OUTSIDE COURTROOM – DAY

Jason looks for his name on the court list. He peeks through the window, into the court room. His POV of the magistrate sitting at the bench.

MAGISTRATE: Thank you, Mr Andrews, you're excused.

FREEZE ON JASON PEERING THROUGH THE GLASS.

TITLE: Asking for an adjournment

Live action: JASON sits in the foyer outside court.

JASON (VO): Yeah, it's complicated. I copped a parking ticket that I definitely can't afford. And it wasn't completely my fault. So I decided I'd come to court and plead not guilty.

He's gaming on his phone.

FREEZE ON JASON - GRAPHIC: You should get legal advice about whether or not you have a defence before pleading guilty or not guilty.

2. INT. INTERVIEW SPACE - MORNING

Jason is being interviewed.

JASON: With this kind of fine, I’ve heard it’s very hard to defend. Apparently, what I should be doing is pleading guilty, and explaining the reasons. So right now I'm a bit confused. But what I can do is ask for an adjournment. An adjournment will give me time to get some legal advice.

3. INT. ROOM– DAY (FLASHBACK)

Jason with laptop is reading information online – detail of LawAssist website.

SRL (1.2) GETTING AN ADJOURNMENT TRANSCRIPT Page 1/4 JASON (VO): I was a bit nervous about what to say, but I read some information on the LawAssist website about getting an adjournment.

4. INT. WAITING AREA AND COURT LISTINGS OUTSIDE COURTROOM – DAY

Jason is still waiting. A Court Officer calls his name...

COURT OFFICER: Jason Renwick?

JASON: That’s me. Sorry I’ll just I turn my phone off.

JASON (TO CAMERA): Don't risk it!

The camera follows Jason as he steps into court….

5. INT. COURTROOM – DAY

Jason enters the court and Jason bows.

JASON (VO): If it’s a registrar, I call them “registrar” and if it’s a magistrate, I call them “your Honour”. A magistrate will be wearing a black gown, so it’s easy to tell them apart.

JASON: I’m Jason Renwick, Your Honour.

MAGISTRATE: Mr Renwick, what would you like to do today?

JASON: I’m not sure, Your Honour. I’d like to get some legal advice. Could I have my case adjourned?

FREEZE ON JASON - GRAPHIC: You need to tell the court your reasons for needing an adjournment

MAGISTRATE: Any objections, Sergeant?

SRL (1.2) GETTING AN ADJOURNMENT TRANSCRIPT Page 2/4 POLICE PROSECUTOR: No, Your Honour.

MAGISTRATE: Okay, Mr Renwick. I’m going to adjourn your matter until Tuesday the third of July, which is two weeks from today.

Jason is clearly mulling over the date.

6. INT. INTERVIEW SPACE - MORNING

JASON: And that's another thing. Be prepared for a change of dates. At least know what dates you're not available. And don't be afraid to speak up if it's a problem.

7. INT. COURTROOM – CONTINUOUS

JASON: Your Honour, I’m away in Melbourne that day, visiting my parents. I’m back on the fifth of July, though.

MAGISTRATE: Very well. Fifth of July? Is that date suitable, Sergeant?

POLICE PROSECUTOR: Yes, Your Honour.

MAGISTRATE: (scribbling the dates in the court file) The matter of Renwick is adjourned to Thursday the fifth of July. You are excused Mr Renwick.

JASON: Thank you, Your Honour.

Jason walks to the doors of the courtroom, turns, bows and exits.

JASON (TO CAMERA): Oh, and the bowing thing. Get used to it. Its what everyone has to do when they enter and leave.

FADE TO BLACK. FADE UP TITLES. MUSIC. TITLE: The court may not agree to adjourn your case if you have had plenty of time to get legal advice and have not done so.

SRL (1.2) GETTING AN ADJOURNMENT TRANSCRIPT Page 3/4 TITLE: This video is intended as a guide to the law and procedure only. You should get legal advice about the circumstances of your case before going to court. A lawyer can help you decide to plead guilty or not guilty. The characters and events in this video are fictitious, and any resemblance to actual events or people is purely coincidental. TITLE: Need Legal Help? Call LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529 or visit www.lawaccess.nsw.gov.au/lawassist for more information about representing yourself in court. © NSW Department of Attorney General and Justice 2013

SRL (1.2) GETTING AN ADJOURNMENT TRANSCRIPT Page 4/4