Armadale Courthouse is the Magistrates Court of Western Australia sitting in Armadale, serving the City of Armadale and surrounding southern Perth suburbs.
- Address: 109 Jull Street, Armadale WA 6112
- Phone: 08 9399 0700
- Fax: 08 9497 1488
- Email: armadalecourt@justice.wa.gov.au
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Parking: Limited parking is available around the courthouse; arrive early.
About the Court and Its Jurisdiction
Armadale Courthouse operates as a Magistrates Court of Western Australia — the entry-level court in the state’s judicial hierarchy. It came into its current form in May 2005 following the amalgamation of the Court of Petty Sessions, the Small Claims Tribunal and the Local Court under the Magistrates Court Act 2004 (WA) and the Magistrates Court (Civil Proceedings) Act 2004 (WA).
By volume, the Magistrates Court is the busiest court in Western Australia. It handles the overwhelming majority of legal matters that come before the courts each year.
The court at Armadale has jurisdiction in three broad areas:
Criminal matters. The court hears summary offences — those considered less serious — including traffic offences, minor assault, drug possession and property offences. It also deals with certain indictable offences that are handled summarily by agreement or under legislation. For more serious indictable matters, Armadale Courthouse conducts committal proceedings to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to send the matter to the District Court or Supreme Court for trial.
Civil matters. The court resolves civil disputes involving claims for debt or damages up to $75,000. Minor claims up to $10,000, consumer and trader disputes, residential tenancy matters and dividing fence disputes also fall within its jurisdiction.
Protective matters. The court deals with Restraining Order applications, including family violence restraining orders and violence restraining orders. Domestic violence assistance is provided at the court on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Criminal Proceedings at Armadale Courthouse
If you face criminal charges and your matter is listed at Armadale, understanding how proceedings unfold will reduce uncertainty and help you prepare.
First appearance. Your first appearance is typically brief. The magistrate confirms the charge, and you indicate whether you wish to plead guilty or not guilty. If you have not yet had time to take legal advice, you can request an adjournment. Courts generally grant reasonable adjournments for this purpose.
Guilty plea. If you plead guilty, the matter usually proceeds to sentencing. The prosecution presents facts, your lawyer responds with submissions on your behalf, and the magistrate imposes a sentence. Penalties in the Magistrates Court range from fines, community-based orders and licence disqualification through to imprisonment in serious cases.
Not guilty plea. If you plead not guilty, the matter is set down for a defended hearing. Both sides present evidence. The standard of proof is beyond reasonable doubt, and the burden rests entirely on the prosecution. A magistrate — not a jury — decides the outcome.
Committal proceedings. For serious indictable offences, Armadale Courthouse conducts a committal hearing. The magistrate assesses whether the prosecution’s evidence is capable of satisfying a jury, beyond reasonable doubt, that the defendant committed the offence. If the test is met, the matter is committed to the District Court for trial.
Traffic and Driving Matters
A significant proportion of the criminal workload at Armadale Courthouse involves traffic and driving charges. These include drink driving, drug driving, driving while disqualified or suspended, dangerous driving, excessive speeding, and related offences. Traffic matters can carry consequences beyond fines — licence disqualification, demerit points and in serious cases, imprisonment. The Magistrates Court has full jurisdiction to deal with these matters and to impose disqualification periods, including extraordinary licence periods in some circumstances.
Appeals from Armadale Courthouse
Decisions of the Magistrates Court sitting at Armadale can be appealed to the District Court of Western Australia or the Supreme Court of Western Australia, depending on the nature of the decision. Time limits apply to appeals. You should seek legal advice promptly if you are considering an appeal following a Magistrates Court decision.
Getting Legal Representation
Facing charges at Armadale Courthouse without legal representation places you at a significant disadvantage. A solicitor experienced in Western Australian criminal and traffic law will advise you on the strength of the prosecution case, identify procedural errors and evidentiary issues, negotiate with prosecutors before your hearing, and present sentencing submissions that place your personal circumstances before the court.
Legal Aid WA provides assistance to those who qualify financially. Contact Legal Aid WA at legalaid.wa.gov.au or phone 1300 650 579. Aboriginal people can contact the Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia on 1800 019 900.
If you are facing a serious matter or you do not qualify for legal aid, engaging a private criminal defence solicitor is a sound investment. The outcome of a criminal charge affects your record, your employment, your freedom to travel and potentially your liberty. Professional legal advice is the most effective way to protect those interests.
Before Your Court Date
- Check the exact courtroom listing before attending — matters can be moved between courtrooms on the day.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early, particularly given limited parking at the Armadale site.
- Dress appropriately; the court is a formal environment.
- Bring all documents relevant to your matter.
- If you have engaged a solicitor, meet with them before the listing time to discuss the day’s proceedings.