A Charge in New South Wales is generally initiated by New South Wales Police Force or other prosecuting body, such as the Department of Fisheries and the allegation is described as a Court Attendance Notice (CAN). The CAN is first heard in a Local Court situated in the vicinity of the alleged offence being committed. Depending on the type of offence and the Court’s jurisidiction, the matter may be mentioned, heard or finalised at one or a number of the different levels of the Justice System. Where a Defendant is required to provide a plea to a Court Attendance Notice, seeking our legal advice is strongly advised as a plea of guilty or a conviction may lead to serious consequences, including imprisonment.