Before the hearing
Some cases are dealt with in the Local Court only. At a summary hearing, the Magistrate determines the case by convicting the accused person, dismissing the matter or by making some other order as to the accused person.

Committal hearings are also heard in the Local Court. At a committal hearing, the Magistrate decides if the matter is to be committed for trial in the District or Supreme Courts.

Before a committal or summary hearing in the Local Court the lawyer from the ODPP should contact you by letter or phone about the case.

If you need to give evidence at the committal or summary hearing, the ODPP or the police officer will contact you. You will also be sent a subpoena that will give you the details about the date, time and place of the hearing.

Before the Trial (Pre-Trial Conference)
If the case is going to trial at the District or Supreme Courts, an ODPP lawyer should make contact with you before you have to go to court.

Depending on the case you may have several contacts with the ODPP before the trial and there is usually a pre-trial conference.

The pre-trial conference is a chance for you and the Crown Prosecutor to meet face-to-face to discuss the case, raise questions and talk about any concerns. You will be given an overview of what will happen at court and told who does what at court.

You or your support person can make contact with the ODPP to ask whether such a meeting is planned. It is usual to have a pre-trial conference shortly before the trial starts.