NEW SOUTH WALES

Charged With DUI in NSW but Never Been to Court Before? Here's What to Expect

By Joshua Boorman · Published · NSW posts

In shortDUI cases are serious charges in NSW, and even low range drink driving penalties such as driving licence suspension and a steep fine can have a significant impact on your life. If you are charged with DUI, you will have to face a magistrate to answer the allegations against you in court.

  • Things to expect in court
  • People in court
  • Your appearance before the court

New South Wales law · law checked 21 Oct 2026

What's on this page

DUI cases are serious charges in NSW, and even low range drink driving penalties such as driving licence suspension and a steep fine can have a significant impact on your life. If you are charged with DUI, you will have to face a magistrate to answer the allegations against you in court.

Things to expect in court

Many people who are facing a DUI charge are doing so for the first time, and it can also be their first time facing any charge in court. For those people new to the system, here’s what to expect on your first day at court.

  • Safety search before entering. Security officers at the courthouse may conduct security searches to ensure public safety in the courtroom. Prohibited items include knives, scissors, tools, studded belts, motorcycle helmets, spray cans, and syringes.
  • Court list near the court entrance. Cases to be heard on any given day are printed on a court list displayed near the court entrance. The court list will indicate which courtroom you are in and your case number. You can also obtain this type of information online at source link
  • Court officers in the courtroom. Court personnel are assigned to specific courtrooms and can be readily identified by their red badges or uniform. Upon entering the courtroom, approach the court officer and let them know that you have arrived. If you are represented by a lawyer, look for your lawyer and follow advice on where to wait until your case is called.
  • Courtroom appearance. Courtrooms may have traditional (wood panelled) look or a more modern appearance, depending on which court you are attending. Magistrates wear black robes without wigs. Judges can wear red, purple, or black robes and don traditional wigs. Local court hearings are conducted without a jury.
  • Court formalities. While bowing is not compulsory, many people bow when they enter and leave the courtroom. If you have a lawyer, the magistrate will speak to you through your counsel. Always stand up when addressing the court and call the magistrate “your honour”. Switch off your mobile phone.

The following are also strictly prohibited inside the courtroom:

  • Eating or drinking;
  • Taking photographs;
  • Talking on your mobile phone;
  • Video or audio recording the hearing; and
  • Talking while the proceedings are ongoing.

People in court

  • Judicial officer (who may be a magistrate or registrar) 2. Court officer who assists the magistrate 3. Witness (any person asked to provide oral evidence under oath) 4. A prosecutor who handles the charge against you 5. Your lawyer

Your appearance before the court

How you appear before a magistrate can leave a lasting impression. While you are not required to wear a suit or tie, you are expected to dress appropriately. Wear clothes that are neat and tidy as well as comfortable enough to last you for several hours in a courtroom.

Facing a charge in court can be stressful. Knowing what to expect on your first court appearance can put you at ease during your DUI hearing. It also helps if you are represented by a skilled Sydney DUI defence lawyer such as Joshua Boorman. Boorman Lawyers provide quality legal representation and will be with you throughout all the stages of your case. We invite you to contact Boorman Lawyers today on 1300 941 900 to make an appointment to discuss your charges.

Talk to us about low range drink driving (New South Wales)

courts across New South Wales dealt with this low range drink driving matter. Call 1300 941 900 if you need advice about low range drink driving in New South Wales.

Read more on low range drink driving in the New South Wales traffic law section. This account of the courts across New South Wales matter is general information only, not legal advice; past results do not predict yours. Call 1300 941 900 or make an enquiry about legal representation.

Law update since this post (checked 21 Oct 2026)

This post was first published on 14 December 2017. The narrative above is kept as published. These notes record later changes to the law.

  • Since 20 May 2019, NSW police can deal with an eligible first-offence low range drink driving matter by penalty notice with an immediate 3-month licence suspension, instead of a court charge (Road Transport Act 2013).

FAQs about this post

Who was the client in this courts across New South Wales matter?

DUI cases are serious charges in NSW, and even low range drink driving penalties such as driving licence suspension and a steep fine can have a significant impact on your life. If you are charged with DUI, you will have to face a magistrate to answer the allegations against you in court.

What did the magistrate order?

courts across New South Wales dealt with this low range drink driving matter.

Can I rely on this December 2017 post?

It dates from 14 December 2017. Any later changes to NSW law on low range drink driving are flagged in the dated note above; the NSW law pages are kept current.

Sources and date checked

Sources and references for this page, checked 21 Oct 2026.

This page is general information about New South Wales law only. It is not legal advice. Every matter turns on its own facts.

Enquire about legal representation

Enquire about legal representation

Call 1300 941 900 or make an enquiry about legal representation.

What to have ready

  • Court & next listing date: Which court is on your paperwork and when your matter is listed.
  • Charge or reading (if known): Tell us the charge or reading if you have it — you do not need your full police facts yet.
  • Work & driving needs: Let us know if you rely on your licence for work or family responsibilities.
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