Katanning Courthouse is located at Clive Street, Katanning WA 6317.
Contact Details
Phone: 08 9821 1177
Fax: 08 9821 2210
Email: katanningcourt@justice.wa.gov.au
Registry hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
About the Court
Katanning Courthouse operates as a Magistrates Court serving Katanning and the surrounding Great Southern district. It handles summary criminal offences, the early stages of indictable matters, bail applications, traffic matters, and a range of civil proceedings. Serious indictable offences that cannot be resolved at the Magistrates Court level are committed to the District or Supreme Court, typically to Albany which is the regional centre for higher court matters in the Great Southern.
What to Expect If You Have a Court Date
People attending Katanning Courthouse for a criminal matter often arrive uncertain about what the listing is for, what will be said, or what decisions need to be made on the day. Regional Magistrates Courts move through matters quickly, and without a lawyer present you may find yourself in a position where a plea is entered, bail conditions are set, or adjournments are sought without a full understanding of the implications.
A first mention is not a trial, but it is consequential. What is said at that first listing — and how the charge is characterised from the outset — shapes everything that follows. A lawyer who has reviewed the prosecution brief before the listing can identify whether there are grounds to contest the charge, negotiate with the prosecution prior to court, or ensure that any plea entered is made with a clear understanding of the likely sentencing range.
Driving and Traffic Matters
A significant proportion of matters heard at Katanning Courthouse involve traffic offences — drink driving, driving under the influence of drugs, unlicensed driving, and dangerous driving. For many people, the most immediate concern is licence disqualification and the practical impact on work and family. If your matter involves a charge that carries a mandatory disqualification period, a lawyer can advise on whether an extraordinary licence is available, what the minimum disqualification period is for your specific charge, and how to present your circumstances to the court in a way that may affect the outcome.
If you are attending court for a traffic matter that may result in a licence disqualification, do not drive yourself to the courthouse.
Bail and Remand
If someone has been charged and is in custody pending a Katanning Courthouse appearance, bail is the immediate priority. In regional areas, the gap between a first appearance and the next available court date can be significant. A lawyer can make representations at the first listing to secure release and ensure that any conditions attached to bail are proportionate and practical given the person’s circumstances, employment, and location.
Our criminal lawyers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and assist clients across regional Western Australia. Call 1300 331 331 for a free first consultation.