Preparing for court

It is important to get legal advice about your case before you go to court. See find legal advice if you have not yet had any advice.

Collect and bring all paperwork you have about your case, such as:

• Court Attendance Notice (CAN)
• Fact sheets
• bail documents
• notes about what you want to say or questions you want to ask
• character references. Read this advice from Legal Aid NSW about what it should contain.

Allow plenty of time to arrive at court, work out where you need to go and see anyone you need to see (for example, your lawyer, the duty lawyer, Community Corrections, the court officer) before the start time listed on your CAN.

See getting to court for more information.

• Most cases are listed at 9.30am. Everyone else who comes to court on the same day as you will also be listed at the same time. This is so the judicial officer can find out what everyone wants to do so they can work out how to go through all the cases as quickly as possible.
• Make sure your parking is paid for the day so you do not worry about getting fined while you are at court.
• Bring something to read while you are waiting for your case to start (note: phones must be turned off in the courtroom).
• The court will close (adjourn) for morning tea (around 11.30am for 20 minutes) and lunch (around 1pm for 1 hour). Consider bringing snacks and drinks to eat during the breaks (note: no eating in the courtroom).
• Bring a friend or family member for support if you want to.
• If you need an interpreter contact the court before your court date. See interpreters and translators for more information.

Make sure you are dressed neatly. You do not need to wear a suit but you should not wear singlets, thongs, untidy, revealing or ripped clothing, hats or sunglasses. Bring a jumper or jacket to keep you warm as the courtroom may be cold.