Brisbane Magistrates Court, George Street – Go To Court Lawyers Brisbane

The Queensland Magistrates Courts deal with the bulk of criminal matters as well as minor civil matters. It also hears domestic violence matters. There are Magistrates Courts in 131 locations around Queensland.

Criminal matters

All summary criminal offences including traffic offences are dealt with in the Magistrates Court. The Magistrates Court also finalises a lot of indictable criminal matters such as assault and stealing. A person who pleads guilty to a criminal matter in the Magistrates Court is sentenced by a Magistrate. The maximum penalty that a magistrate can impose for a single offence is three years imprisonment.

Those indictable matters that are not finalised in the Magistrates Court nonetheless begin in the Magistrates Court. These matters go through a number of procedural stages in front of a Magistrate before being committed to either the District Court or the Supreme Court for finalisation.

Domestic violence matters

The Magistrates Court hears applications for domestic violence protection orders. These orders may be made on a temporary or a final basis. A person who fears domestic violence by another person may make an application for a protection order. Alternately, the police may make an application on the person’s behalf.

A protection order may be made by consent. It may also be made after a contested hearing. The court will make an order if it considers that the order is necessary or desirable to protect the person from family violence.

Children’s Court

The Magistrates Court sits as the Children’s Court when dealing with criminal matters where the accused is under 18. A young person facing criminal charged must go through the same processes as an adult defendant. However, there are some additional considerations for the court to take into account when making decisions about bail and sentencing.

The Children’s Court also deals with child protection and adoption matters.

Civil matters

The Magistrates Court hears civil matters where the amount of money or property in dispute is less than $150,000.

Appeals

A party to a matter that is decided in the Magistrates Court can appeal against the decision to a judge of the District Court.

Getting to the Brisbane Magistrates Court

Brisbane Magistrates Court is at 363 George Street, Brisbane City. This building was opened in November 2004 by the Queensland Premier Peter Beattie, and currently contains 26 courtrooms.

If you’re driving from the M1 or Inner city bypass, take the Turbot Street exit. The Brisbane Magistrates Court is on the corner of George and Turbot Street. If you’re using public transport, bus stop George Street 117 is on the opposite corner.

Go To Court Lawyers Brisbane has an office on the seventh floor of the Christie Centre at number 320 Adelaide Street, Brisbane. For expert advice and strong representation, call our Brisbane lawyers on 1300 636 846.