In each court there are different types of hearings. As a witness, the hearings you may have to attend may include a contested mention, committal hearing or trial but it will depend on what court the matter is being heard in.

Depending on whether the crime is a summary or indictable offence, it will proceed through different courts and there will be different kinds of hearings.

Summary offences

A Summary offence is an offence that can be heard by a magistrate sitting alone, rather than a judge and jury. Examples include:

• road traffic offences (e.g. careless driving, drink driving, unlicenced driving)
• some assaults
• property damage
• offensive behaviour.

Read more about the different types of hearings for Hearings for Summary offences.

Indictable offences

An Indictable offence is a more serious offence that cannot be heard in the absence of the defendant (the person accused of the crime). These offences are usually heard in the Magistrates' court for a committal hearing. The offence may then be committed to trial before a judge in the County court or Supreme court. Examples include:

• aggravated burglary
• indecent assault
• drug trafficking offences
• manslaughter
• murder.

Read more about the types of hearings for Hearings for Indictable Offences.