QLD What is the difference between Brisbane Arrest court and Brisbane court.

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Jake Matherson

Well-Known Member
15 June 2018
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Hey everyone,

In regards to someone going to court in Brisbane what is the basic difference between the two following courts with regards to drug offences.

Why would a person be before the court in Roma street instead of George Street?

The person is currently not in the watch house as the offences would have occurred earlier in the year.

Magistrates Courts

Brisbane Arrest Court (Roma Street)
Brisbane (363 George Street)
 

Rob Legat - SBPL

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16 February 2017
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I'm guessing (as it's not my area or location), but I would suspect the reason is a combination of:
- How busy the court is; and
- (Probably more likely) the proximity to the Watchhouse.

The Watchhouse is on Roma Street, while the main courts are about half a kilometre away on the corner of George St and Turbot Street. The cost and hassle of transporting defendants between them probably makes it cheaper and easier to have the second venue.

I'd suspect the person you are referring to, not being on remand, could be going to either depending on availability of magistrates on the day in question - but the address will be nominated. If there's any confusion, call the Registry and ask.
 

Jake Matherson

Well-Known Member
15 June 2018
224
29
659
Thanks Rob.

The person is on the daily court list for the arrest court on Roma street.

I was trying to gain insight into perhaps more serious crimes would be dealt with in one court over the other.

That is to say that you might be in more serious trouble if they chose to send you to one court over the other.
Unfortunately I don't know the exact details of the matter besides it's drug related.

Your suggestion based on availability of magistrates sits well with my uneducated brain. Makes sense that they just send you to whichever one isn't busy.

The party involved and I have Family Court tomorrow. So all Intel I can gather prior to our hearing the better.
 

Bill Murray

Well-Known Member
6 June 2018
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The first appearance is almost always (probably always) at Roma Street unless it is Traffic, DV or Childrens Court.

Hearings are always at George St.

Roma St will deal with basic pleas of guilt only. Anything that will take more than ~15 mins will just be adjourned and sent to George St.
 
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