What sort of criminal cases do the district and supreme courts handle?
District courts handle nearly all indictable criminal offences. Examples are armed robbery and rape. Supreme courts handle the most serious charges like murder and serious drug cases. How do I know I have to go to the district or supreme court? Your lawyer, the police or the magistrate will tell you and give you paperwork which you should keep. This will tell you which court to go to and when. What should I do before court? It is best to get legal advice before going to court. Get legal advice from a qualified lawyer. Many people will tell you what you should do, like the police or friends, but it is too important to trust advice from someone who is not qualified in the criminal law. Should I have a lawyer represent me in the district or supreme court? It is always a good idea to have a lawyer represent you, but it is your right to appear for yourself if you want to. These are serious charges, and a sentence could be harsh if you are convicted (found guilty). A record is kept if you ar