Can I get an adjournment at my first court date?

Often yes — courts commonly grant a short adjournment so you can get legal advice, but you should ask properly, ideally with a lawyer.

Answers › Criminal & traffic

What happens at your first court date in Victoria?

Your first date in the Magistrates' Court is usually a mention — where the charges are read and you indicate a plea, not a full trial.

For most criminal and traffic matters, your first appearance in the Magistrates' Court is a 'mention'. The charges are put to you and you indicate a plea — guilty or not guilty. It's not the day the case is decided.

If you plead not guilty, it's adjourned and a contest date set. If you plead guilty, the court may sentence that day or adjourn for reports. You can also seek an adjournment to get advice.

What you say and do at the first mention matters. Speak to a lawyer before you go — My Lawyer Melbourne can advise you or appear with you.

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General information only, specific to Victoria and current as at 2026 — not legal advice. Please contact us for advice about your particular situation.