The most common criminal charges “summary offences” are heard by a Magistrate in a Local Court. The nearest Local Courts are located at Mudgee, Gulgong, Rylstone & Dunedoo.
The case for the Police is presented by a Police Prosecutor or a Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Solicitor.
Accused persons are usually represented by a private Solicitor or a Legal Aid duty Solicitor. Some accused persons represent themselves.
If the accused is in custody he/she sits in a special secure area known as “the dock”.
The proceedings are recorded on audio tape. They are open to the public unless a person under 18 is involved in which case the Local Court is closed & the Children’s Court is opened.