Criminal matters
The criminal jurisdiction of the Magistrates’ Court hears and determines all summary offences, some indictable offences and conducts committal hearings.
Sentencing and penalties
A judicial officer will take several considerations into account before deciding on a sentence.
Spent Convictions Scheme
A scheme for convictions to not form part of a person’s criminal record.
Appealing a sentence
You, or your lawyer, have the right to appeal against a conviction and / or sentence ordered in the Magistrates’ Court.
Custody and bail
The release from custody of a person charged with an offence, on that person's undertaking that they will appear in court to answer the charge.
Pleading guilty or not guilty
A plea is a formal statement by or on behalf of an accused person, stating their guilt or innocence in response to a charge.
Criminal court fees
Click here to see a list of criminal fees charged in the Magistrates' Court.
Diversion
A way for low-level offenders to avoid a criminal record by undertaking conditions that benefit the victim, the community and themselves.
Drug Court
A post-sentence program focusing on the rehabilitation and treatment of offenders with a drug and/or alcohol dependency.
Assessment and Referral Court (ARC)
A court list for accused persons who have a mental illness and/or a cognitive impairment.
Bail support (CISP)
This program aims to reduce the likelihood of people re-offending by assisting them access support services.
Find a court date
The Electronic Filing Appearance System (EFAS) allows you to search for court listings. Searches are possible by name, court and date.
Criminal judgments
The Magistrates' Court of Victoria publishes select criminal judgments on the Australasian Legal Information Institute (AustLII) website.
