Busselton Courthouse is located at 12 Stanley Street, Busselton WA 6280.
Contact Details
Phone: 08 9754 9666
Fax: 08 9752 4950
Email: busseltoncourt@justice.wa.gov.au
Registry hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm (closed 1pm to 2pm)
About the Court
Busselton Courthouse operates as a Magistrates Court and also serves as a District Court civil registry. It handles the full range of summary criminal matters for the Busselton and Capes region, including traffic offences, assault, drug possession, stealing, breach of restraining orders, and disorderly conduct. More serious indictable matters that cannot be resolved in the Magistrates Court are committed to the District Court, which sits at Bunbury as the regional centre for the South West.
Common Matters Heard at Busselton
The Busselton court services a region that draws a high volume of tourists, seasonal workers, and residents across a wide geographic area. The matters heard reflect that mix — drink driving and drug driving charges are among the most frequent criminal listings, alongside assault, domestic violence-related offences, and drug possession. For visitors or those new to the area who find themselves charged, understanding what the local court process involves and how it differs from other jurisdictions is something a lawyer can clarify from the outset.
Appearing in the Magistrates Court
When a matter is listed at Busselton Magistrates Court, the first appearance is typically a mention — not a hearing on the merits. It is an opportunity for the charge to be read, a plea to be indicated, and the matter to be adjourned for a defended hearing, a plea of guilty, or further steps such as obtaining a psychiatric or presentence report. Appearing without legal representation at this stage can result in a plea being entered or admissions being made without a full understanding of the evidence against you or the available defences.
A lawyer who has reviewed the police brief before the listing can advise whether the charge is properly made out, whether there are grounds to contest it, and what the realistic sentencing range is if a guilty plea is entered. In some cases, early engagement with the prosecution can resolve a matter on more favourable terms before it reaches a hearing.
Drink Driving and Licence Disqualification
Given the volume of traffic matters heard at Busselton, it is worth noting that many drink and drug driving offences carry mandatory minimum disqualification periods that the court cannot waive. However, the court does have discretion in other respects — including whether to record a conviction and what additional conditions to impose. For first offenders or those with strong personal circumstances, proper legal representation at the sentencing stage can make a material difference to the outcome. If you are attending court for a matter that may result in disqualification, do not drive to the courthouse.
Our criminal lawyers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and assist clients across the South West region. Call 1300 331 331 for a free first consultation.