A Guide to Going to Court in Queensland
If you are required to attend court in Queensland, it is normal to feel uncertain about what will happen and how you should prepare.
The way you present yourself and conduct yourself in court can influence how your matter is perceived. This guide outlines what to expect and how to approach your court appearance with confidence.
What to Expect and How to Prepare
If you are attending court for the first time, it is completely normal to feel uncertain about what to expect.
Understanding how to present yourself and what to do on the day can make a significant difference — not only to your confidence, but also to how your matter is perceived by the court.
This guide outlines key practical steps and courtroom etiquette to help you prepare.
Get Advice Before You Attend Court
If you have been charged with a criminal or traffic offence, obtaining legal advice before your court date is critical.
Early advice can help you:
Understand your position
Prepare properly for court
Avoid mistakes that may affect your outcome
📞 1300 544 444
Available 24/7 for immediate assistance
Dress Appropriately
Court is a formal environment. You should dress neatly and conservatively, similar to attending a job interview.
As a general guide:
Wear clean, formal or business-style clothing
Avoid casual, revealing, or offensive clothing
Remove hats and sunglasses before entering
Where possible, cover visible tattoos
Presenting yourself appropriately demonstrates respect to the court and can positively influence how you are perceived.
Arrive Early
Courts in Queensland typically commence at 9:00am, with buildings opening earlier.
Arriving early allows you to:
Locate your courtroom
Speak with your lawyer or the duty lawyer
Address any last-minute issues
Reduce unnecessary stress
Being late can result in your matter being delayed or even called in your absence.
Bring Your Documents
You should bring all relevant documents neatly organised in a folder, including:
Your QP9 or brief of evidence
Character references
Medical or psychological reports
Any supporting material relevant to your case
Having documents organised ensures they are accessible and can be provided to your lawyer or the court if required.
Check In When You Arrive
If you are not legally represented, it is important to let the prosecutor or court staff know that you are present.
Court volunteers can also assist you in speaking with the duty lawyer if needed.
This helps ensure your matter is not called without you and may assist in having it dealt with more efficiently.
Turn Your Phone Off
Mobile phones must be switched off or on silent before entering the courtroom.
Interruptions can be viewed as disrespectful, and it is an offence to take photos or record proceedings inside the court.
Courtroom Etiquette
Entering and Leaving
It is customary to briefly bow towards the Magistrate or Judge when entering or leaving the courtroom as a sign of respect.
Remain Quiet
While waiting for your matter to be called:
Sit quietly
Do not speak or disrupt proceedings
If you need to speak with someone, step outside the courtroom.
When Your Matter is Called
When your name is called:
Move promptly to the front of the courtroom
Stand where directed
Remain calm and respectful
Listen carefully to what is said
If you are represented, your lawyer will speak on your behalf. If not, answer clearly and only when asked.
Stand When Addressed
You must stand when:
The Magistrate or Judge is speaking to you
You are speaking in court
Your matter is being addressed
When not required, remain seated and silent.
Address the court Correctly
Always address the Magistrate or Judge as “Your Honour.”
Do not interrupt or speak unless you are asked to. If you have a lawyer, they will generally speak on your behalf.
Keep Track of Your Court Dates
If your matter is adjourned:
Make sure you understand the next court date
Write it down immediately
Properly managing your dates helps avoid missed appearances, which can have serious consequences.
Signing Bail
If your matter is not finalised on the day, you may be required to enter into a bail undertaking.
Before leaving court:
Wait for your name to be called
Attend the registry or court staff
Sign your bail documents
You must not leave the court precinct without signing your bail, as this may constitute an offence.
Plan Your Transport
If you expect your licence may be disqualified, or there is a risk of imprisonment, you should organise transport to and from court in advance.
Do not drive to court if you are at risk of losing your licence.
Final Considerations
Attending court can feel overwhelming, particularly if it is your first time.
Being prepared, understanding the process, and presenting yourself appropriately can make a meaningful difference to how your matter proceeds.
Speak with a Criminal Defence Lawyer
You do not need to navigate the court process alone.
Early legal advice can help you:
Understand your options
Prepare properly
Achieve the best possible outcome
Court proceedings can be complex, and the outcome of your matter can have lasting consequences.
Obtaining legal advice early allows you to properly prepare, understand your options, and approach your court appearance with confidence.
📞 1300 544 444
Available 24/7