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On the day! 
Most courts start at 9.30am. Many have a Registrar sitting from 9.30am to handle adjournments. Check your papers to see when your case starts. You should get there before court starts especially if you want to see the duty lawyer. Be prepared to wait all day. Cases are heard as soon as possible, but if the court is busy, there could be long delays. Find out which courtroom you are in The cases to be heard are on a court list. This is usually displayed in the foyer or near the court entrance. This list will tell you which courtroom you are in and give you a case number. If you can’t find your name on the list, ask the court officer to help you. Go and see the duty lawyer If you haven’t had any legal advice before the day or you want to apply for legal aid, look for the duty lawyer. If you can’t find the duty lawyer’s room, ask the court staff to show you. The duty lawyer will generally see people in turn, so it is important to wait with your papers ready. When is your case on? This depends on the number of cases in the Local Court on the day. You can wait inside the courtroom where your case is to be heard or just outside. A court officer will call your name when your case is ready to be heard. You should listen carefully for this and stay where you can hear your name called. You must tell the court officer you are present. If you are not sure where to stand when you enter the courtroom ask the court officer to show you. If you don’t hear your name called, ask the court officer to help you. See your lawyer first, if you are represented. Your lawyer will tell you where to wait. Remember, all cases are listed to start at least by 10am, and sometimes 9.30am, so you may have to wait a while whether you have a lawyer or not. Before you go to court | Who gives advice? | Getting ready for court | Find out when your date is | In the courtroom | If you plead not guilty | If you plead guilty | Appeals | Who's who in the Local Court |
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