QLD Can I Attend Magistrates Court Via Phone for Theft Charge?

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anne1988

Well-Known Member
24 August 2015
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I'm due in court in 3 days. It is local magistrates court and the matter was adjourned previously to seek legal advice. It's in relation to 'theft with intentions to keep' rental household items. However I have returned the item and intend to pay all necessary costs. My problem lays at the fact that I've just moved. I am 50 kms away from that local court and without a car and public transport will not allow me to arrive by 9am. Can I appear over the phone?
 

Rod

Lawyer
LawConnect (LawTap) Verified
27 May 2014
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2,894
www.hutchinsonlegal.com.au
No. Does Qld have a 'diversion program' you can use for first time offenders?
 

JS79

Well-Known Member
2 October 2015
306
36
714
Perth
The Magistrate's Court requires you to appear in person or they are able to record a conviction/spent conviction against you.

It would be best to make the effort to go to the Magistrate's Court and let the Magistrate know what you have done since being charged - eg given you have returned the item and you are willing to pay the necessary costs.
 

Lawyering mum

Well-Known Member
26 September 2015
28
2
121
Sunshine Coast
If you are going to be late just let the Court know. Chances are there will be quite a number people that they can deal with ahead of you. If you call the Court and advise the earliest you can get there, a note will be made on your file and generally there are not too many problems. Call the court prior to the day you are due in Court though and I would follow up with another call the morning of just to confirm you are on your way and when you estimate you will be there