Sutherland Local Court:

Court Details:

• Name: Sutherland Local Court
• Address: 113-115 Flora Street, Sutherland NSW 2232
• Phone: (02) 9549 5100
• Fax: (02) 9549 5199
• Email: sutherland.localcourt@justice.nsw.gov.au

Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and public holidays

Contact Details:
For general enquiries, please call the court during business hours or use the email provided above.

Location:
Sutherland Local Court is located in the southern suburbs of Sydney, approximately 26 kilometres from the Sydney CBD.

Parking:
Limited short-term parking is available in the surrounding streets. Paid parking options include:

• Sutherland Entertainment Centre Car Park (5-minute walk)
• Sutherland Train Station Car Park (7-minute walk)

Public Transport:

• Train: Sutherland train station (T4 Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra Line and South Coast Line) is a 5-minute walk from the court.
• Bus: Several routes stop nearby, including Route 961 (Miranda to Bundeena) and Route 962 (Bankstown to Cronulla).

Facilities:

• Wheelchair accessible
• Interview rooms (subject to availability)
• Public toilets
• Water fountain

Security:
All visitors must pass through security screening upon entering the court. Prohibited items include weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, and illegal substances.

Duty Lawyer Service:
A duty lawyer is available for certain criminal matters. Please arrive early and notify court staff if you need legal assistance.

Nearby Landmarks:

• Sutherland Entertainment Centre (300m)
• Sutherland Library (400m)
• Peace Park (500m)
• Sutherland Leisure Centre (1km)

How to Navigate the Map and Find Sutherland Local Court

Navigating to Southerland Local Court is simple if you follow a few steps:

1. Open Google Maps or a Similar Map Service:
   Start by opening a digital map application like Google Maps on your device. These maps allow you to search and get directions easily.

2. Search for the Exact Location:
   In the search bar, type “Sutherland Local Court” and hit enter. The map will pinpoint the precise location for you.

3. Zoom In and Out:
   Use the plus (+) and minus (-) buttons or your mouse scroll wheel to zoom in and out. This will help you get a better sense of the area around the court.

4. Switch Between Views:
   Toggle between satellite and map views to see the layout of buildings, streets, and other landmarks. This can provide a more comprehensive understanding of your surroundings.

5. Use Street View if Available:
   Drag the little person icon onto the map near Sutherland Local Court to get a street-level view. This can make it easier to recognize the building when you arrive.

6. Check for Directions:
   Click on the “Directions” button to input your starting point. The application will then show different routes, estimated travel time, and options for walking, driving, or using public transport.

Utilize these steps to confidently navigate your way to Sutherland Local Court with ease.

Court Jurisdiction and Services

Sutherland Local Court, like other local courts in New South Wales, handles a wide range of legal matters, including:

• Minor criminal offences
• Traffic offences
• Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs)
• Small claims and civil matters up to $100,000
• Committal hearings for more serious criminal matters

The court also provides various services such as:

• Justice of the Peace (JP) services
• Document witnessing
• Filing of legal documents

Accessibility and Support Services

Sutherland Local Court is committed to ensuring access to justice for all members of the community. The following support services are available:

• Wheelchair accessibility throughout the building
• Hearing loops for people with hearing impairments
• Interpreter services (must be booked in advance)
• Support for victims of crime through the Victims Services program

Court Etiquette and Procedures

When attending Sutherland Local Court, or any other local court in NSW, it’s important to:

• Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled court time
• Dress appropriately in neat, clean clothing
• Address the magistrate as “Your Honour”
• Stand when the magistrate enters or leaves the courtroom
• Turn off mobile phones and other electronic devices before entering the courtroom
• Refrain from eating, drinking, or chewing gum in the courtroom

Legal Resources and Information

For those representing themselves or seeking more information about court processes, the following resources are available:

• LawAccess NSW: A free government telephone service providing legal information, referrals, and in some cases, advice
• Legal Aid NSW: Offers free legal advice and may provide representation for eligible individuals
• Community Legal Centres: Provide free legal advice and assistance to the community

COVID-19 Safety Measures

In response to the ongoing pandemic, Sutherland Local Court, like all NSW courts, has implemented safety measures including:

• Mandatory mask-wearing in court buildings (unless exempted)
• Physical distancing requirements
• Increased cleaning and sanitization protocols
• Encouragement of online services where possible

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 measures, please check the NSW Local Court website or contact the court directly.

How to Effectively Describe Your Legal Situation to Find the Right Lawyer

Finding the right lawyer for your needs begins with clearly communicating the specifics of your legal situation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you articulate your case effectively:

1. Identify the Area of Law

Start by determining which area of law your situation falls under. Are you dealing with:

• Family law issues like divorce or child custody?
• Criminal charges?
• Business-related concerns such as contracts or disputes?
• Personal injury claims?

Knowing the specific area will help narrow down your search to lawyers who specialize in that field.

2. Be Clear and Concise

Explain your situation in a straightforward manner. Focus on the core issues and relevant facts:

• What happened? Outline the key events and timeline.
• Who is involved? Mention any parties, organizations, or entities.
• Where did it occur? Identify the location if it’s pertinent.

Keep your description brief yet informative to ensure lawyers can quickly grasp the essence of your case.

3. Highlight Key Details

Point out crucial details that impact your situation:

• Mention any deadlines, such as court dates or statute of limitations.
• Include pertinent documents, like contracts, emails, or police reports.
• Specify any prior actions taken, such as attempts at mediation or previous legal advice.

These details provide context and help lawyers assess the complexity and urgency of your case.

4. State Your Desired Outcome

Communicate what you hope to achieve from legal representation:

• Are you seeking a settlement or resolution?
• Do you need defense against charges?
• Are you aiming to draft contracts or navigate business regulations?

Clarifying your goals helps lawyers understand your expectations and tailor their approach accordingly.

5. Prepare Questions

Before meeting a potential lawyer, prepare questions to evaluate their suitability:

• Have they handled similar cases?
• What is their success rate?
• What are their fees and payment structures?

Choosing the right lawyer involves not only presenting your case well but also assessing their capability to handle it effectively.

By following these steps, you can ensure that you describe your legal situation precisely, paving the way for finding the right lawyer to advocate for your interests.

Additional Information

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled court time. Dress appropriately for court, ensure your phone is switched off before entering courtrooms, and remember that food and drinks are not allowed in courtrooms. For more details on court procedures, visit the NSW Local Court website.

If you are asked to go to court and would like a quote or want one of our experienced lawyers to assess how we can assist, please fill out the form on our website here with your details, and we will be in touch.

Additionally, if you’re asked to appear in court, you can view our “How to Prepare for Court” guide here to help you get ready for your appearance