In Victoria, there are four different courts where charges can be heard. The court you will attend depends on what type of offence the crime was and the age of the accused.

If you are not sure which court you will be attending, ask the police informant.

Magistrates' Court

Most criminal cases are heard in the Magistrates' Court. This court handles mainly summary offences, but committal hearings in relation to indictable offences are also heard in the Magistrates' Court. At a committal hearing, a decision is made about whether there is enough evidence for the case to go to trial in the County or Supreme courts. Summary matters stay only in the Magistrates' Court. The case is heard by the magistrate, and a decision whether the person is guilty or not guilty is made there.

Children's Court

The Children's Court is a special kind of Magistrates' Court where you usually go if the person who's charged with the crime is under 18 years old.

County Court and Supreme Court

These are called 'higher courts'. If the case goes up to the County Court or Supreme Court there'll be a trial. If you gave evidence in the committal hearing (in the Magistrates' Court) first, you may also have to give evidence at the trial in the County or Supreme Court.

Tip: Watch the videos for an inside view of each of the courts in Victoria.