Solicitor for Criminal Law in Lija

I’ve been summoned to the Court of Magistrates in Malta over what feels like a fairly minor traffic offence, and I’m wondering whether it’s really necessary to hire a lawyer for something like this, or whether I could just represent myself and explain the situation to the magistrate directly.

Someone has come forward alleging that I committed an offence against them a number of years ago in Malta, something I genuinely don’t recall happening the way they’re describing it. Is there a time limit after which the police can no longer bring charges for old incidents, or can this be pursued no matter how much time has passed?

I keep hearing different court names mentioned in relation to a criminal matter involving someone I know in Malta, sometimes the Court of Magistrates and sometimes the Criminal Court. Are these the same thing, or does it matter which one is actually handling the case?

I had a serious disagreement with my manager at work in Malta over money I believe I was legitimately owed, and things got heated verbally. My employer is now threatening to report me to the police for ‘threatening behaviour’, which I think is a wild exaggeration of what actually happened. Can something like this really escalate into a criminal matter?

I’m facing what feels like several separate charges arising from a single incident I was involved in Malta, and I don’t understand how one event can lead to multiple distinct charges rather than just one. Is this normal, or does it seem like the charges are being unfairly stacked against me?

I’ve been feeling unsafe walking home late at night in Malta and I’m considering carrying a small can of pepper spray for personal protection. I want to make sure I’m not accidentally breaking the law by doing this before I actually buy one.

My employer in Malta accused me of stealing money from the till and reported it to the police, but that was over four months ago and I’ve heard nothing since, no charges, no further questioning, nothing. Meanwhile I’ve already been dismissed and my reputation feels damaged. What is actually happening in situations like this?

I gave a statement to the police in Malta as a witness to an incident, but after thinking about it more, I believe I got a couple of details wrong, not deliberately, just genuine confusion about timing. Can I go back and correct my statement, or am I stuck with what I originally said?