East Maitland Local Court sits in the historic East Maitland courthouse on John Street, in the Hunter region of New South Wales. This page shows the matters listed there for the current sitting day and the next one, with names, courtrooms and start times where they are published, so you can check a listing before you travel.
About the courthouse
The East Maitland courthouse was completed in 1860 and is one of the older working court buildings in the Hunter. For many years it hosted District Court criminal sittings as well as Local Court work. In 2014 the District Court's criminal sittings moved to the new Newcastle court complex, and Local Court sittings for the Maitland area have been listed at East Maitland at various times since, including while work was carried out at the Maitland courthouse. The building is within walking distance of East Maitland railway station.
What the Local Court hears
The Local Court is the first level of the NSW court system and deals with most criminal and traffic matters in the state. A magistrate hears each case without a jury. Matters you may see on an East Maitland list include:
- Traffic offences, such as driving while suspended, speeding and drug driving.
- Criminal charges, including assault, stealing and drug possession.
- Apprehended violence order (AVO) applications, both domestic and personal.
- Bail applications and the first mention of more serious charges that may later go to the District Court.
- Small civil claims, which the Local Court can hear in its civil jurisdiction.
Contact and attending
Registry enquiries go through the NSW courts line on 1300 679 272. When you attend, allow time to pass through security, switch your phone to silent and tell the court officer you have arrived. Most matters are called in a general list, so your case may be heard later than the listed start time.
Nearby court lists
Because Maitland area matters can be listed at more than one courthouse, check your court attendance notice for the correct venue. The Maitland court house listings show the Local Court at Maitland, and the Maitland court list covers District Court sittings. Matters from the Lower Hunter may also appear on the Cessnock court list.
Getting help
Duty solicitors from Legal Aid NSW are often available at Local Court sittings to give free advice on the day. If you can, get advice before your court date, especially if you are thinking about pleading guilty or defending a charge. This page is general information only and not legal advice.