What criminal cases does the County Court of Victoria hear?
The County Court hears serious indictable offences, such as serious assaults, sexual offences, armed robbery, commercial drug trafficking and large frauds, before a judge and jury at trial or a judge alone on a plea. It also hears appeals from the Magistrates’ Court, lodged within 28 days. Almost every case starts in the Magistrates’ Court first.
The County Court hears serious criminal charges, usually before a judge and jury, and hears appeals from the Magistrates’ Court. Its main building is in William Street, a short walk from our Queen Street office.
Address and getting there
- Address: 250 William Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Public transport: Flagstaff Station (corner of William and La Trobe Streets) is a short walk away, and trams stop at William Street’s corners with La Trobe Street and Bourke Street.
- Parking: there is no dedicated parking. All-day parking is in multi-storey car parks in nearby streets.
- Security: airport-style screening on entry. Knives, scissors, metal cutlery, sharp items and glass or ceramic containers are not allowed.
What the County Court hears
The County Court hears indictable (serious) offences other than the gravest charges reserved for the Supreme Court, such as murder, attempted murder and treason. Examples include serious assaults, sexual offences, armed robbery, commercial drug trafficking and large frauds. Cases are decided by a judge and jury at trial, or by a judge alone on a plea of guilty. It also hears criminal appeals from the Magistrates’ Court and the Children’s Court.
How a case gets to the County Court
- Charged and first listed in the Magistrates’ Court. Almost every criminal case starts there, including bail.
- Filing hearing and committal mention. The prosecution serves its evidence and the case is managed in the Magistrates’ Court. Some indictable charges can stay in the Magistrates’ Court if the magistrate considers it suitable and you agree.
- Committal changes from 28 December 2025. The Justice Legislation Amendment (Committals) Act 2025 changed how committal proceedings are run for cases with a filing hearing on or after 28 December 2025. In those cases, a committal hearing may not be held for a sexual offence, a family violence offence, stalking under section 21A(1) of the Crimes Act 1958, or certain offences that must be committed to the Supreme Court. Earlier cases continue under the previous rules. Your lawyer will tell you which process applies.
- Committed for trial or plea. The case then moves to the County Court (or, for the gravest charges, the Supreme Court), where directions hearings set the timetable.
- Plea or trial. If you plead guilty, there is a plea hearing and the judge sentences you. If you plead not guilty, a jury decides the verdict.
Appeals from the Magistrates’ Court
- A notice of appeal is lodged with the Magistrates’ Court within 28 days of the decision. The case is then managed by the County Court registry.
- The appeal is currently a full rehearing. You are not bound by the plea you entered in the Magistrates’ Court.
- The County Court can impose any sentence the Magistrates’ Court could have imposed, so the result can be heavier as well as lighter. Get advice before you appeal.
- Appealing to the Supreme Court on a question of law instead gives up the right to appeal to the County Court for that proceeding.
- The Sentencing Advisory Council reports that future legislation, expected to commence in 2028, will move sentence appeals to a transcript-based process.
On the day
- Arrive early. Everyone is screened on entry, and queues are common first thing in the morning and after lunch.
- Security. Leave knives, scissors, sharp items and glass containers at home. Prohibited items are taken from you.
- Find your courtroom. Your lawyer will confirm the building and courtroom. Higher court cases can be listed in more than one building in the CBD.
- Expect a long day. Trials and pleas can run for hours or days, so plan for transport, meals and any carer arrangements.
- In the courtroom. Turn your phone off, remove hats and sunglasses, and address the judge as “Your Honour”.
What to bring
- Your charge sheet or summons, and the court notice showing the date and time
- Any police documents you were given, such as the summary or brief of evidence
- Photo identification
- Character references and any reports (for example medical or counselling reports), if you are pleading guilty
- Your lawyer’s contact details, and something to pass the time
Interpreters
If you need an interpreter, tell your lawyer as early as possible, so that one is booked for every hearing and not just the trial. Tell us whether you need Mandarin, Cantonese or another language. We can advise and take instructions in English or Mandarin.
Which court will my case be in?
A case reaches the County Court from the Magistrates’ Court, either after committal or on appeal. The Magistrates’ Court is usually the one near where the alleged offence happened or where you live — check your charge sheet or court notice. See Serious and indictable charges.
Help with a matter at the County Court
Chua Tan Associates has practised in Melbourne since 1990. Our principal, Justin Chua, appears as a solicitor advocate and advises in English and Mandarin, and we act in courts across Victoria.
Send us your charge sheet and court notice through our enquiry form for a confidential review, or book a consultation. See also all court guides and Your First Court Date.
This page is general information about Victorian law, current at the time of writing. It is not legal advice about your situation. Laws and police practices change, so speak with a lawyer about your own matter.