Ringwood Magistrates' Court — preparation checklist

• Read the charge sheet, summons or notice carefully and note the listed date, time and venue.
• If you have not already, obtain legal advice before the listing date.
• Consider whether a diversion, plea negotiation or bail variation should be raised.
• Arrange character references from people who know you well and can speak to your circumstances.
• If you are attending in support, plan travel and arrival together.

• Photo identification.
• Original charge sheet, summons, notice to appear or bail notice.
• Any police brief of evidence provided.
• Character references, medical or psychological reports.
• A pen and notebook — most open-court matters are recorded by the Court, but a recording or transcript is not automatically supplied to someone attending.

Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before the listed start time. Court screening queues can be long, particularly at the start of a sitting day. If you cannot be found when your matter is called, the Court may treat you as not appearing — depending on the matter it may proceed in your absence, issue a warrant, order costs or dismiss an application.

• Dress neatly and conservatively.
• Remove hats and sunglasses inside the courtroom.
• Silence your phone; do not record proceedings.
• Stand when the Magistrate enters and leaves the courtroom.
• Address the Magistrate as 'Your Honour'.

• Do not consume alcohol or drugs before court.
• Do not bring prohibited items — they will be confiscated at security.
• Do not interrupt the Magistrate, prosecutor or your own lawyer.
• Do not approach the other party, complainant or witnesses in the precinct.
• Do not post about the matter on social media.

• Is diversion a realistic option for this charge?
• What is a realistic sentencing range on a plea of guilty?
• What evidence is likely to be led against me if I plead not guilty?
• What character references or reports would help?
• What are the likely licence, employment or travel consequences?

If you have been charged, served with an intervention order application, or issued a court date, do not wait until the day of court to seek advice. Contact Holt & Macdonald’s Ringwood office and see our Criminal & Traffic Charges page. For a fuller explanation of what happens on the day, read our companion article What to expect on the day at Ringwood Magistrates’ Court, or browse our criminal and traffic law guides.