Basic Legal Knowledge
Procedures during criminal hearings
Juvenile Court
Arresting procedure, my rights and obligations
Free or subsidized legal assistance
Protection for victims
Punishment and sentencing options
Criminal records and the Rehabilitation of Offenders Ordinance
Plea of not guilty
On a plea of not guilty (the accused does not admit the guilt), the case will be adjourned for trial. A number of procedures may take place before the trial e.g. for application for bail, for amendment to the charge, pre-trial review, etc.
Well in advance of the trial, the prosecution must provide the accused person (or his lawyer) with all documents and materials which are or possibly relevant to the case, whether they are for or against the prosecution's case. The prosecution however has no duty to disclose materials which only affect the credibility of a defence witness. Any failure by the prosecution to provide the accused with the relevant materials before trial may be a valid ground of appeal against any conviction.