Being required to attend court can be intimidating, particularly for a first-time attendee. This guide explains, in practical terms, what to expect at Ringwood Magistrates’ Court. It is written for people responding to a criminal charge, traffic charge or intervention order application, or attending in support of someone who is. Holt & Macdonald has no formal association with the Court; the information below is general.
For advice about a specific charge, see our Criminal & Traffic Charges page.
Purpose of the Magistrates’ Court
The Magistrates’ Court of Victoria is the busiest court in the State. It deals with the vast majority of criminal and traffic matters at a summary level, most intervention order applications, civil claims within jurisdictional limits, and a range of specialist lists including WorkCover, Assessment and Referral Court and Drug Court in certain venues.
Common types of matters at Ringwood
- summary criminal charges (for example, theft, assault, drug possession);
- traffic charges (drink and drug driving, unlicensed and disqualified driving, careless and dangerous driving);
- family violence and personal safety intervention orders;
- bail applications;
- committal-stage steps for indictable matters that will be finalised in a higher court.
Locating and entering the court
The court complex is on Ringwood’s Wantirna Road precinct, walking distance from Ringwood station and served by parking in the surrounding streets and public car parks. Always check the address and start time on your charge sheet, summons or notice — the listing venue for a particular matter can change.
Security procedures
Every person entering the court passes through a screening point. Bags are scanned; you may be asked to remove metal items. Weapons, sharp objects, aerosols, alcohol and illicit substances are not permitted. Mobile phones are allowed in the building but must be silent in the courtroom.
What to bring
- photo identification;
- your charge sheet, summons, notice to appear or bail notice;
- any brief of evidence you have been given;
- character references, medical or psychological reports where relevant;
- a means of taking notes and, if possible, a support person.
Mention hearings
Most matters are first listed for a mention. A mention is a short listing during which the court is told the current position — whether you are pleading guilty or not guilty, whether the police brief has been served, and whether the matter is ready to proceed. Many mentions take only a few minutes.
Pleas
On a plea of guilty, the prosecutor reads a summary of the alleged facts and hands up any priors. The defence then makes a plea in mitigation and hands up references and any report. The Magistrate hears both sides and, in straightforward matters, sentences on the day.
On a plea of not guilty, the matter is adjourned for a contest mention and, if not resolved, a contested hearing at a later date.
Adjournments
Adjournments are common — for example, to obtain the brief, seek legal advice, gather references, or complete a rehabilitation program. They are not automatic, and repeated adjournment requests are increasingly scrutinised. If you need more time, be ready to explain why.
Courtroom conduct
- dress neatly and conservatively;
- stand when the Magistrate enters and leaves;
- address the Magistrate as “Your Honour”;
- speak only when invited;
- turn your phone off;
- do not eat, chew gum or wear a hat or sunglasses in the courtroom.
Possible outcomes
Depending on the offence and the circumstances, outcomes at summary level can include:
- a good behaviour bond or diversion (where the prosecution consents);
- a fine and, in some cases, no conviction;
- a community correction order with conditions;
- licence loss or interlock conditions in traffic matters;
- a suspended or actual term of imprisonment for more serious matters.
The importance of obtaining advice
Entering a plea is a decision with real consequences. A conviction can affect employment, insurance, travel and future licensing. Even where the outcome may be modest, informed advice about diversion, plea negotiation, references and rehabilitation steps can materially change the result. Obtain advice before you enter a plea, not after.
Holt & Macdonald appears regularly in Magistrates’ Court matters across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. See our Criminal & Traffic Charges page for how we can help, or consult our practical Ringwood court guide for a preparation checklist.
