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Western Australian criminal law · Court process

Going To Court in Western Australia

Going to court for the first time is disorienting. Understanding what happens at each stage — from the first appearance through to sentencing — gives you the ability to make informed decisions and reduces the stress of facing an unfamiliar system.

The decisions you make at the earliest stages of your matter — at the first mention, at the bail hearing, and when reviewing the prosecution brief — are among the most consequential. Get legal advice before your first court date.

Courts, Police Stations and Correction centres in Western Australia

If you want to find details on a court, police station or correction centre in Western Australia, see the list below:.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

The WA Courts at a Glance

  • Magistrates Court — all criminal proceedings begin here; summary offences finalised here; circuit sittings across regional WA
  • District Court — serious indictable offences, including assault GBH, sexual assault, serious fraud, and drug offences at the district threshold; jury trials
  • Supreme Court — murder, manslaughter, and offences carrying life imprisonment; Court of Appeal for District and Magistrates Court decisions
  • Children’s Court — criminal matters involving young people aged 10 to 17
  • Drug Court — intensive supervision and treatment as an alternative to imprisonment for eligible accused persons with serious drug dependency
  • High Court of Australia — final court of appeal; special leave required; matters of law of public importance

Going to court in Western Australia for the first time? Get advice before your first appearance.

The decisions made at the earliest stages are the most consequential — clear advice from day one makes a real difference.
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