Legal assistance for victims of crime
If you fall victim to a crime, you are entitled to assistance and support throughout the process. You may use legal counsel when filing a criminal complaint, during interviews and in court. You may be counselled by an attorney-at-law, public legal adviser or licensed legal counsel.
Legal aid
If your income is low or average, you can apply for legal aid from the State. In such cases, the State pays the legal counsel’s fee, either in full or in part. Legal aid can be applied for at a legal aid office or via e-services. If you wish, you can also ask a law firm of your choice to submit the application on your behalf.
The legal aid office will assess your financial situation and advise you at each stage of the process.
Counsel and support person
In cases of intimate partner violence or sexual offences, the court may appoint legal counsel or a support person for you at the State’s expense, regardless of your income.
- If you have claims in the legal proceedings, you will be assigned legal counsel. The person whom you yourself propose is usually appointed as your legal counsel.
- If you are not filing any claims, a support person may be assigned to you.
The fees for legal counsel and a support person are paid by the State, so you will not incur any costs.
Compensation for criminal damage
As a victim of crime, you can claim compensation from the State for personal injury and suffering. In some cases, compensation may also be available for damage to property or financial loss.
You can find further information and instructions on applying for compensation for criminal damage on the State Treasury’s website.
How to apply for legal aid
You can apply for legal aid at any legal aid office, regardless of where you live. You can also do it through our e-services.