When It Applies

Not For

• Telling someone what to say to police, contacting witnesses or complainants, resisting arrest, hiding evidence, or deciding defence strategy without a lawyer.

Documents

• ID or passport
• Police station details
• Charge sheet
• Notice to appear
• Bail or warning papers
• Court notice
• SAPS reference
• Medical records
• Photos or videos
• Messages and call logs
• Witness contact details
• Question list

Timeline

• Immediately: confirm location, custody status, charge or reason, and urgent personal needs.
• Before consultation: collect papers and preserve records.
• During consultation: confirm next court or police steps and conduct risks.
• Afterwards: calendar dates and keep conditions visible.

Tips

• Lead with custody location and next appearance date.
• Do not delete, edit, or forward evidence casually.
• Do not contact complainants, witnesses, or co-accused before getting advice.
• Ask about Legal Aid quickly if private representation is not affordable.

Warning Signs

• The person is in custody, injured, medicated, a minor, a foreign national, or needs an interpreter.
• The first appearance is today or tomorrow.
• There are protection orders, firearms, domestic violence, children, serious violence, or co-accused involved.
• Someone is asking family to sign, pay, or make statements urgently.