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Court Process ResourceCriminal LawHard
Criminal Charge Preparation Checklist
Court preparation checklist for charge details, bail documents, witness information, and first appearance planning.
Time to prepare2-6 hours
Before you start
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Get support from a lawyer who works with criminal law matters.
Before consultation or court
0/4 completedOn court or consultation day
0/3 completedAfterwards
0/3 completedWhen It Applies
You were arrested, warned to appear, charged, or told to attend criminal court.
You need to prepare documents and questions before speaking to a criminal defence lawyer.
Not For
- Emergency arrest advice, police questioning, bail argument, plea decisions, or trial strategy without a lawyer.
- Any instruction to destroy evidence, influence witnesses, ignore bail conditions, or avoid court.
Documents
- ID document
- Charge sheet
- Warning notice
- Bail receipt
- Bail conditions
- Court notices
- Proof of address
- Employment or study proof
- Medical records
- Witness list
- Messages and photos
- Travel documents
Timeline
- Immediately: record charge, case number, bail conditions, and next court date.
- Before consultation: collect court papers and personal-circumstance proof.
- On court day: arrive early and confirm the next date before leaving.
- Afterwards: save court outcomes and track bail duties.
Tips
- Do not miss a court date.
- Do not contact complainants or witnesses if conditions restrict contact.
- Keep bail and warning documents with you when travelling to court.
- Ask a lawyer before making statements or sharing case details publicly.
Warning Signs
- A warrant, missed court date, or bail breach is mentioned.
- You were asked to make a statement without advice.
- The charge affects immigration, employment, professional registration, firearms, children, or travel.
- You are unsure whether you may contact a witness or complainant.
Official sources
- Legal Aid South Africa criminal mattersCriminal representation, bail, and accused-person support context.
- Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977Arrest, bail, court attendance, and criminal-process context.
- Department of Justice criminal court formsCriminal court document and process context.
This checklist is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
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