If you have been charged with a criminal offence including some traffic offences you will have to go to court. Your lawyer will advise you on how best to present yourself for court. Remember to note the date, time and location of the Court and arrange when and where you will meet with your lawyer beforehand.

If you are under 18 your case will be heard in a juvenile court - in South Australia it is called the Children's Court.

If you are pleading guilty to a charge your lawyer will usually suggest that you obtain references from people who can attest to your good character. If you have not supplied your lawyer with these before hand remember to bring them to court with you.

Ask your lawyer who should come to court with you. For young people it is usually wise to have their parents attend court with them to show their support. It can be helpful if a person who has supplied a reference can attend court with you.

While you will have been given a time for your case to be heard you will need to put aside the morning or the afternoon for your court appearance as it is not possible to know at what time your matter will be called on.

Read more

• Motor Vehicle Accidents
• Criminal and Police Matters

Useful links

• Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935
• Summary Offences Act 1953
• Courts Administration Authority

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"I had never been to court before. It's pretty scary. I'm glad I had a lawyer.  I pleaded guilty but no conviction was recorded." 

Our Lawyers 

• Joanne Collie
• Jane Moore