Going to court for the first time can feel intimidating, especially when the notice uses unfamiliar language and doesn’t clearly explain what the day will involve. Most people are not expected to know courtroom procedure before they arrive. Preparation, punctuality and a calm approach make the day considerably easier.
This guide explains the practical steps for a criminal or traffic matter listed at Parramatta Local Court. It is general information. Follow directions in an individual case, including bail conditions and attendance requirements.
Before anything else: Parramatta Local and District Court is at 12 George Street, Parramatta NSW 2150. Parramatta Children’s Court is a separate courthouse at 2 George Street. Check the court notice carefully before travelling.
Confirm the Correct Courthouse and Date
Parramatta Local and District Court is located at 12 George Street, Parramatta. The court registry is open from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm on weekdays and can be contacted through the Courts Service Centre on 1300 679 272.
Do not confuse it with Parramatta Children’s Court at 2 George Street. The document requiring attendance should identify the court, date and sometimes a courtroom or list. If anything is unclear, contact the registry or your lawyer before the date.
Court listings can change. Check the NSW Online Court List shortly before the appearance and again on arrival. Some names are suppressed or abbreviated, and a matter may be moved to another courtroom during the day.
Plan to Arrive Early, and Keep the Day Available
Local Court lists often contain many matters. Although a notice may show a start time, it does not promise the exact time the case will be called.
Plan the route and parking or public transport option in advance. Aim to be in the court precinct by about 8:45 to 9:00 am for a standard morning list, or at least 30 minutes before the time stated on the notice. Allow time for security screening, finding the list and speaking with a lawyer.
Do not schedule an important appointment immediately afterwards. A short mention can involve a lengthy wait, and a defended hearing or sentence may take much of the day.
If bail requires attendance, leaving before the matter is called without permission can have serious consequences. Tell your lawyer or the court officer before moving away from the courtroom.
Expect Security Screening
NSW courthouses use airport-style security. Bags may be scanned, and people may pass through a metal detector. Do not bring knives, firearms, or other weapons into the building.
Carry only what is needed. Keep medication in its original packaging where practical. Build screening time into the arrival plan and follow the security officer’s directions.
Bring the Right Documents
Bring one folder, in paper or organised digital form, containing:
- The court attendance notice, CAN or summons
- Bail acknowledgement and any variation orders
- Police fact sheet and criminal history material, if provided
- Licence suspension or Transport for NSW notices for a traffic matter
- Correspondence from the lawyer, police or prosecution
- Identification
- A written list of questions
- Any documents the lawyer has asked you to obtain
Do not hand references, medical material or other sentencing documents directly to the magistrate without first showing them to your lawyer or the prosecutor if required. Documents may need to be served, checked for relevance or redacted to protect private information.
Bring a charger, water where permitted and any essential medication. Dress neatly and respectfully. A suit is not compulsory, but avoid workwear with offensive words or images.
Find Your Matter on the Court List
On arrival, look for the daily list on the courthouse screens or noticeboard. It should indicate the courtroom. If represented, contact the lawyer as arranged and tell the court officer that you are present.
If seeking help from a Legal Aid duty lawyer, arrive early (Legal Aid suggests being at court by 9:00 am) and bring all papers. Duty lawyer assistance is subject to eligibility, availability and the type of matter. It should not be assumed that a duty lawyer can conduct a defended hearing or take over every case on the day.
If you need an interpreter, arrange one before the court date where possible. Do not rely on a family member to interpret legal proceedings. Tell the registry or your lawyer promptly if you haven’t arranged an interpreter.
What Happens When the Case Is Called?
The magistrate usually sits at the front. The prosecutor and lawyers sit at the bar table. The court officer calls each matter.
When your name is called:
- Move promptly to the place indicated by your lawyer or the court officer
- Stand unless told to sit
- Address the magistrate as “Your Honour”
- Speak clearly and only when asked if you are represented
- Ask for a question to be repeated if you do not understand it
Switch off your phone or put it on silent before entering. Photography, audio, or video recording is not permitted without authority. Do not message witnesses about what has been said in court while evidence is being given.
It is customary to bow briefly towards the bench when entering or leaving a courtroom that is sitting. Listen to the court officer and follow your lawyer’s directions.
A First Appearance Is Not Always the Final Hearing
Many criminal matters begin with a short mention. Depending on the case, the court may deal with legal representation, a plea, service of police material, bail, negotiations or the date for a later hearing or sentence.
Do not enter a plea merely because you feel pressured to finish the matter that day. A plea can have significant consequences for conviction, sentence, employment, travel, licensing and future proceedings. Obtain advice about the charge, evidence and options.
At the same time, unnecessary delay can affect costs and, in some cases, the sentencing discount attached to the timing of a guilty plea. The correct course depends on the evidence and the person’s instructions.
If You Are Anxious, Have a Disability or Need Support
Tell the lawyer or registry in advance about accessibility needs, hearing difficulty, cognitive impairment or acute anxiety that may affect participation. A support person may be able to attend but usually cannot speak for the person unless the court permits it.
If the case concerns domestic or family violence, ask the registry about safe rooms and support services. Do not approach a protected person if an AVO or bail condition prohibits contact, even inside the courthouse.
What If You Are Running Late or Miss Court?
Contact the court registry and your lawyer immediately. Do not assume the matter will simply be moved to another day. Depending on the case, the court may proceed in the person’s absence, issue a warrant, forfeit bail or make other orders.
Keep evidence of a genuine emergency (such as a medical certificate or transport disruption) but understand that it does not automatically excuse non-attendance. You may need urgent advice about the available application.
Before Leaving the Courthouse
Confirm exactly what happened and what must occur next. Write down:
- The next court date and whether personal attendance is required
- The status of bail and any changed conditions
- Deadlines for evidence, representations or service
- Any amount to be paid and the correct payment process
- The next task for you and the next task for the lawyer
Obtain a copy of any new order, if available. Do not rely on memory alone after a stressful appearance.
A Simple First-Time Checklist
- Re-read the notice and confirm 12 George Street, not the Children’s Court
- Check the NSW Online Court List before leaving home
- Arrive by 8:45-9:00 am and keep the rest of the day clear
- Bring every police, court and Transport for NSW document
- Tell the lawyer or court officer that you have arrived
- Switch the phone off before entering the courtroom
- Do not discuss the facts of the case in public areas or online
- Before leaving, confirm the next court date, bail status and deadlines
Court becomes less mysterious once you understand the practical steps. The central priorities are to attend the correct place on time, preserve the documents, obtain advice before making important decisions and leave with a clear record of what comes next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Parramatta Local Court?
Parramatta Local and District Court is at 12 George Street, Parramatta NSW 2150. Do not confuse it with Parramatta Children’s Court, which is at 2 George Street. Check the court notice carefully; it should list both the court and courtroom number.
What time should I arrive at Parramatta Local Court?
Aim to arrive between 8:45 and 9:00 am for a standard morning list, or at least 30 minutes before the time stated on your notice. Allow extra time for security screening, finding the list and speaking with your lawyer.
What should I bring to court?
Bring your court attendance notice or summons, bail documents, police fact sheet, any licence or Transport for NSW notices if it is a traffic matter, correspondence from your lawyer, photo identification and a list of questions. Keep everything in one folder so you don’t leave anything behind.
What do I call the magistrate?
Address the magistrate as “Your Honour.”
Can I use my phone in court?
Switch your phone off or put it on silent before entering the courtroom. Photography, audio recording and video recording are not permitted in court without authority.
What if I can’t make it to court?
Contact the court registry on 1300 679 272 and your lawyer immediately. The court may proceed in your absence, issue a warrant or forfeit bail if you do not attend and have not made an appropriate application.
Can I speak to a Legal Aid duty lawyer on the day?
Duty lawyers are available at Parramatta Local Court for eligible matters. Arrive early (by 9:00 am) and bring all your papers. Duty lawyers cannot always conduct a defended hearing or take over every matter on the day.
Does going to court on the first date mean I have to enter a plea?
Not necessarily. Many first appearances are short mentions where the court deals with representation, bail, service of material or a future date. Do not plead guilty under time pressure. Get advice about the charge, evidence and your options before making any decision.
Need a Lawyer for Parramatta Local Court?
Rezae & Co Lawyers represents clients at Parramatta Local Court and courts across NSW in criminal and traffic matters. If you received a court notice and aren’t sure what to do next, we can help you understand your options before the court date.
Our office is located at Level 7, 91 Phillip Street, Parramatta NSW 2150.
Call Rezae & Co Lawyers on 02 8893 1217 for a free 30-minute consultation.
