You can apply at the Court’s criminal office for a Criminal Legal Aid form. The duty solicitor will help you complete the form. If you are on the benefit or are on a low income you may be granted criminal legal aid unless the case is minor (for example doesn’t carry a term of imprisonment). If there is any chance of imprisonment or periodic detention and you qualify financially you are likely to get legal aid. You can also refer to http://www.lsa.govt.nz/criminallegalaid.php for more information. If you are refused legal aid you can contact the Legal Services Agency for a review of that decision (see the reconsideration form attached to the back of this information sheet). If you are still refused aid, you can apply to the Legal Aid Review Panel.