Legal Aid

Lorraine Smith and Michele Wilkinson-Smith successfully defended double murder accused Chris Kahui in 2008. Was the result good luck or the start of a winning formula?

If you qualify for Legal Aid, you will be represented with the same respect and professionalism as someone who does not qualify for Legal Aid and is paying privately.

All my clients are important to me. It doesn’t matter whether you are on legal aid or if you are paying me privately. My job is to act professionally and do the very best job I can for you.

If you are unable to pay privately for your legal representation you may be eligible for criminal legal aid. It depends on what assets you have and how much money you have left over when your weekly expenses are paid. You cannot choose your own lawyer for criminal offending which carries a term of under 10 years. With more serious offences, you are entitled to put on the legal aid form your lawyer of choice.