Which Court Will I Go To?

If you are under 18 and charged with a crime you have to go to the Children's Court. This can be at:

your Local Court

OR

a special Children's Court.

A Local Court can make itself into a Children's Court when it has to. It makes no difference which court you go to. The same thing will happen at either one.

How Do I Know When I Have To Go To Court?

You have to go to court on the exact day:

your summons says

OR

your charge sheet says

OR

your bail conditions say

OR

when the court tells you.

It's a really good idea to tell your family or a friend about your court date and they can remind you to go or even go with you.

Things To Remember

1. Turn up at court. If you don't turn up at court when you're meant to:

   your bail could be cancelled

   OR

   you could be found guilty in your absence.

2. Talk to a solicitor. Solicitors know all about what happens in court and will give you good advice that you will need.
3. Dress Good. How you dress is important. The magistrate only gets to see you for a short time so everything you can do will matter. It's okay to go to court in borrowed clothes. If you can't borrow clothes go down to your local youth centre and explain the problem. They might be able to help you.
4. Be Early. This way you'll know where you need to be and what you have to do. It will also give you a chance to have a yarn to a solicitor.
5. Ask Questions. If you don't understand something ask your solicitor or youth worker. It's their job to tell you and it's your right to know.
6. Don't Lie. Lying can catch up with you and cause you more problems down the track. Lying in court is a crime.
7. Take your family. It's good for the magistrate to see that you have family members who care about you. It doesn't have to be your Mum and Dad. It can be an Aunty, Uncle, Cousin or your Nan. If you think they might put you in lock-up this can be really important.

How Do I Get A Solicitor?

The Court will have a solicitor for you. At a local court this person is called the "duty solicitor". At some courts there may also be a solicitor from the Aboriginal Legal Service. You should speak to a solicitor. To do this:

turn up at court early and make an appointment

OR

go a few days earlier and make an appointment.

If you need legal advice call:

Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women's Legal Centre

1800-686-587 (02)9569-3847

Legal Aid Hotline for under 18's

1800-101-810

Aboriginal Legal Service

02-9318-2122

Disclaimer: The information contained on this Fact Sheet is only meant as a guide and cannot replace legal advice. If you have a legal problem you should speak to a lawyer for some legal advice. Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women's Legal Centre excludes liability for any loss suffered by any person which results from the use or reliance upon the information contained on this Fact Sheet.