Legal Services

Duty Solicitor Scheme

The Duty Solicitor Scheme ensures that lawyers are available “on duty” at every District Court in the country. Duty lawyers provide free legal help on the first day in court for anyone who has been charged with a criminal offence and doesn’t have their own lawyer.

The duty lawyer can explain the charge and will advise on pleas, bail, and the sentencing options available to the court. They also help people to apply for legal aid.

For more information, see the Legal Aid Guide

Click here for information for duty lawyers

new zealand government
Skip to content.