What happens with summary offences

If you have pleaded guilty to a summary offence, the Magistrate may either:

  • sentence you immediately, or
  • adjourn (postpone) the matter to another date for sentence

If you’ve pleaded not guilty to a summary offence, the Magistrate will adjourn the matter to another date for hearing. In some circumstances the Magistrate may adjourn the matter to another date for a ‘contest mention’.

Contest mentions

contest mention hearing
a hearing in which parties can try to reach agreement on some matters before a full criminal hearing is held

At a contest mention, the Magistrate considers more evidence so:

  • there’s a better understanding of your case
  • you can get an idea about what sort of sentence is likely if you’re found guilty.