Defendant to be asked to plead
145 Defendant to be asked to plead
When the defendant is present at the hearing the substance of the complaint shall be stated to the defendant and the defendant shall be asked how he or she pleads.
If the defendant is legally represented and there is more than 1 complaint before the Magistrates Court, a plea to any number of the complaints may, with the consent of the defendant, be taken at the same time on the basis that the plea to 1 complaint will be treated as a plea to any number of the complaints if the court is satisfied—
the defendant has obtained legal advice in relation to each of the complaints; and
the defendant is aware of the substance of each of the complaints.
If the Magistrates Court takes a plea under subsection (2), the court is not required to state the substance of any complaint before the court to the defendant.
If the defendant pleads guilty, the Magistrates Court shall convict the defendant or make an order against the defendant or deal with the defendant in any other manner authorised by law.
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