Melbourne Magistrates’ Court hears criminal, intervention order and bail matters for the Melbourne CBD and many other areas. Our office on Queen Street is a few minutes’ walk away.
Key points
- Address: 233 William Street, Melbourne VIC 3000. Registry open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm.
- Everyone goes through security screening, so arrive at least 30 minutes before the time on your notice.
- Hears criminal, bail and intervention order matters, plus specialist lists such as the Drug Court and Koori Court.
- Flagstaff Station and William Street trams are nearby; street parking is limited.
Address and contact
- Address: 233 William Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Registry hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
- Phone: (03) 9087 6111
- Bail and Remand Court: also sits in the evenings and on weekends and public holidays, for people held in custody
Getting there
Flagstaff Station is a short walk north along William Street, and trams run along William Street. Street parking is limited and metered; there are all-day car parks nearby, but allow plenty of time.
What is heard here
Criminal matters, intervention orders and bail applications, as well as specialist lists including the Drug Court, the Koori Court, the Assessment and Referral Court and the Court Integrated Services Program (which supports people on bail). It is also one of the Specialist Family Violence Court locations.
On the day
- Arrive early. Allow time for security screening, and aim to be there at least 30 minutes before the time on your notice.
- Security. Everyone is screened on entry. Do not bring knives, tools or anything that could be used as a weapon.
- Report in. After security, tell the registry or the court coordinator you have arrived, and which courtroom you are in.
- Expect to wait. Courts usually begin sitting at 10am and deal with many matters through the day, so stay near the courtroom until your name is called.
- In the courtroom. Turn your phone off, remove hats and sunglasses, and address the magistrate 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 the court (or your lawyer) well before the hearing. The Magistrates’ Court may be able to arrange an interpreter for a person charged with a criminal offence. We can advise and take instructions in English or Mandarin.
In person or online?
Under the Magistrates’ Court’s current practice direction, an accused person who is not represented must usually attend in person. If you have a lawyer, you may be able to appear online at some mentions, but you will normally need to attend in person where a community correction order or imprisonment is possible. Your lawyer will tell you how you need to appear.
Help with a matter at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court
Victoria Legal Aid duty lawyers help some people on the day, but eligibility is limited. If you would like your own lawyer, send us your charge sheet and court notice for a free written quote, or arrange a paid online consultation. See Contact, 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.