The District Court hears the majority of serious criminal trials in South Australia, excluding only offences such as murder and treason which are dealt with in the Supreme Court. Matters before the District Court commonly include aggravated assaults, serious drug trafficking, firearms offences, sexual offences, robbery, burglary, fraud and other indictable charges.

Caldicott + Isaacs Lawyers practise exclusively in criminal and traffic law and regularly represent clients in District Court proceedings across South Australia. Our lawyers are experienced trial advocates with a strong understanding of evidence law, jury directions and sentencing principles that apply at this level.

Whether your matter is proceeding by way of trial, sentence following a plea, or involves complex pre-trial applications, you can be confident your case will be prepared thoroughly and presented with precision.

District Court proceedings are more formal and complex than Magistrates Court matters.

Here’s what typically happens:

Pre-Trial Proceedings:
Your matter may involve committal proceedings, disclosure review, case conferences and pre-trial applications.

Trial:
Trials may be heard before a judge alone or a judge and jury, depending on the offence and election. Evidence is tested through witness examination and legal submissions.

Sentencing:
If convicted or entering a plea, sentencing submissions are made addressing penalty, rehabilitation, personal circumstances and relevant legal principles.

Outcome and Next Steps:
We explain the result in detail and advise on appeals or further steps if appropriate.

Our role is to ensure you are fully prepared and represented at every stage of the District Court process.