The role of the Director of Public Prosecutions

What is the role of the Director of Public Prosecutions? (DPP)

The DPP are the public prosecutorial office that conducts and overseas prosecutions.

What types of prosecutions will the DPP handle?

The DPP conduct the following types of prosecutions:

• Summary and indictable charges;
• Appeals, by both the Defence and Prosecution;
• Confiscation of Assets proceedings.

The bulk of the DPP’s work lies in prosecuting Indictable charges.

Some of the charges that the DPP will prosecute are:

• murder
• sex offences
• large scale drug trafficking
• commercial crime and fraud
• serious assaults
• aggravated break and enter
• serious driving offences involving death.

Are the DPP part of the Police?

No. The DPP are an entirely independent of the Police, and make their decisions entirely independent of the Police. The DPP however often provide advice to the Police in relation to investigations and prosecutions.

The DPP, in indictable matters, work closely with the Police in terms of the overseeing of the prosecution case.

As opposed to Police Prosecutors, DPP prosecutors are required to be admitted as a legal practitioner.

How do I know if my charge/s will be prosecuted by the DPP?

It is important that you speak to an experienced Criminal Defence Lawyer when seeking advise about how your charged will be prosecuted. Offences fall into the following categories:

• Strictly summary (not prosecuted by the DPP)
• Table offences (can be prosecuted by the DPP)
• Strictly indictable offences (must be prosecuted by the DPP)

An experienced defence lawyer will know which category your offence falls within.

Call LY Lawyers on 1300 595 299 for more information.