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About the Virtual Bail Court

The Local Court Bail Division was established to centralise adult bail matters across New South Wales, including Sydney and regional areas, and to ensure bail applications are dealt with quickly and consistently. This is the first court appearance for persons brought before the Court following a police bail refusal. The Bail Division operates statewide, including metropolitan Sydney, and manages all adult bail matters on weekends.

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Sydney-Based Court Experience

We appear frequently in Sydney Local Courts, as well as the District and Supreme Courts of NSW. Our familiarity with local court processes, police procedures, and prosecution practices allows us to navigate cases efficiently and effectively.

Strategic, Individualised Representation

No two cases are the same. We take the time to understand the circumstances of each matter and provide clear, practical advice based on the evidence, your objectives, and the likely outcomes.

Focused on Protecting Your Future

Our priority is to protect your rights and minimise the impact of charges on your life. Where possible, we work to avoid convictions, reduce penalties, and achieve outcomes that safeguard your future.

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How the Virtual Bail Court Operates Court Sitting Times and Bail Cut-Offs Regions Covered by the Bail Division Attending and Observing Bail Hearings Finding Out Where a Loved One’s Bail Hearing Is Listed Why Legal Representation Matters in the Virtual Bail Court

How the Virtual Bail Court Operates

All bail matters in the Bail Division are heard virtually. Defendants, lawyers, police prosecutors, and approved family or support persons appear by audio visual link using Webex. No specialised software is required, and participants can join using a computer, tablet, or mobile phone. Defendants usually appear from a correctional centre, while legal representatives and family members can appear remotely from another location.

Although the court is virtual, it operates in the same way as a physical courtroom. Participants must be in a quiet and private space, dress appropriately, and conduct themselves respectfully. It is a criminal offence to record, photograph, or livestream any part of the bail proceedings.

Court Sitting Times and Bail Cut-Offs

The Bail Division generally commences sittings from 9:30am. Defendants who are arrested and fully processed before 12:00pm may be eligible to have their bail application heard on the same day. Those arrested or processed after this time will usually have their bail hearing listed for the following day. Matters are heard in order of readiness, although cases may be reassigned between virtual courtrooms to ensure efficient case progression.

Regions Covered by the Bail Division

The Bail Division operates multiple virtual courtrooms, grouped by region across New South Wales. These regions include:

  1. Mid North Coast and Northern River
  2. Newcastle and Greater Hunter
  3. Southern Highlands and South Coast
  4. Western New South Wales
  5. Riverina and New England
  6. Central Coast and Inner Metropolitan Sydney
  7. Sydney CBD and Surry Hills Correctional Centre

Courtroom allocation may change depending on workload, location of the defendant, and judicial availability.

Attending and Observing Bail Hearings

The Bail Division operates as an open court unless a suppression or non-publication order applies. Family members, support persons, and members of the public may request access to observe proceedings. Media representatives may also attend remotely. Access details are provided by the Bail Division Registry.

If a family member or support person does not have access to the internet, a computer, or a quiet space, assistance may be available through a local court or by contacting the Court Service Centre on 1300 679 272.

Finding Out Where a Loved One’s Bail Hearing Is Listed

If you are unsure which virtual courtroom your family member or loved one will appear in, or when their bail matter will be heard, you can contact the Bail Division Registry by email at:

baildivisionregistry@justice.nsw.gov.au

Provide the full name of the accused and any available custody or court details to receive assistance.

Although the Virtual Bail Court is designed to improve efficiency, bail applications are still complex legal proceedings with serious consequences. Decisions made at this stage can determine whether a person remains in custody for weeks, months, or even years. Experienced criminal defence lawyers understand how the Bail Division operates, how matters are prioritised, and how to present persuasive bail applications within this system.

For families facing the stress and uncertainty of a loved one in custody, early and experienced legal advice can make a meaningful difference.

Urgent Legal Assistance for Bail Applications

We offer fixed fees for all bail applications and a free initial confidential consultation. If someone close to you has been charged with an offence and is being held in custody, obtaining urgent advice from an experienced criminal defence lawyer is essential.

You can reach our office on 02 8251 0067.

For after-hours enquiries please contact 0434 033 621 or email admin@willcoxlawyers.com.au and mark your correspondence “Urgent”.

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Section 10

Section 10(1)(a) of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (NSW) allows a court to dismiss a charge without recording a conviction following a plea of guilty or a finding of guilt.

In practice, a Section 10(1)(a) dismissal is most commonly granted after a plea of guilty, where the offender demonstrates genuine remorse, contrition, and otherwise good character. When imposed, the matter is finalised with no criminal conviction recorded.

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Appeals

There are two types of criminal appeals: conviction appeals and severity appeals.

A conviction appeal challenges a finding of guilt following a contested hearing, while a severity appeal challenges the sentence imposed after a plea of guilty or a finding of guilt. An appeal against both conviction and sentence is known as an “all grounds appeal.”

If the appellate court is considering imposing a more severe sentence, the judge must issue a Parker warning (as established in Parker v DPP (1992) 28 NSWLR 282), giving the appellant the opportunity to withdraw the appeal before a harsher penalty is imposed.

Appeals must be lodged within 28 days of sentencing.

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Legal Aid

Legal Aid NSW is a government-funded organisation that provides legal advice and representation to eligible members of the community.

Assistance through Legal Aid NSW is subject to specific eligibility criteria and assessment processes.

In some cases, Legal Aid NSW may allocate criminal matters to approved private solicitors who are members of the relevant Legal Aid Panel. If you are granted Legal Aid, you may request that your matter be referred to Willcox Criminal and Civil Lawyers.

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Section 14

Section 14 of the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020 (NSW) allows certain criminal charges to be dismissed where the defendant has a mental health condition.

A Section 14 order enables an eligible defendant to apply for dismissal of the charge by entering into an agreement to undertake appropriate mental health treatment, rather than proceeding through the criminal justice system.

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Delivering results, one case at a time.

Request a Free Consultation by calling (02) 8251 0067 or by completing the online form.

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Testimonials

Here are some of the reviews left by our esteemed clients.

Outstanding Legal Support

“I used Willcox Criminal and Civil Lawyers for a matter last year. Ben was the lawyer that assisted me. Through the whole process, I was kept up to date and provided full and frank costings before proceeding. Ben’s knowledge and expectations on how the matter would run, were amazing. He was kind, courteous and was able to sympathise with me, and was available for questions I may have. He would respond as soon as he was available to. I could not recommend this firm more for Criminal matters. They are absolute champions.”

- Brett, NSW


Testimonials

Here are some of the reviews left by our esteemed clients.

Life-Changing

“Dear Ben Willcox, we can’t thank you enough for your professionalism, compassion and expert legal guidance during an extremely stressful time for our family. Your strong advocacy resulted in a “good behaviour bond” instead of a “conviction and penalty” which has made a life-changing difference to our nephew’s future. We are forever grateful. We highly recommend your services.”

- Esperanza, NSW


Testimonials

Here are some of the reviews left by our esteemed clients.

Victorious Result

“We recently worked with Ben & Michael at Willcox Criminal & Civil Lawyers with a challenging legal matter involving The Department of Fair Trading. They took the time to understand our case, offering clear guidance and support at every step. Their passion for justice and dedication to our case was evident, and it was clear that they were invested in achieving the best possible outcome for us. We are extremely grateful to Ben and Michael for securing us a victorious result. If ever you need reliable legal counsel, look no further than Willcox Criminal & Civil Lawyers, they are the best.”

- Julie, NSW


Testimonials

Here are some of the reviews left by our esteemed clients.

Made All The Difference

“Your efforts in negotiating with the police on my behalf made all the difference, and I’m extremely grateful for the excellent result you were able to achieve. Your approach gave me confidence throughout the process, and I truly felt supported every step of the way. I can’t thank you enough for your hard work, and I’m beyond appreciative of how you both handled everything with care and expertise.”

- Tim, NSW


Testimonials

Here are some of the reviews left by our esteemed clients.

Highly Recommended

“Ben was always available, clear and informative – he was able to effectively communicate with the police and managed to prevent charges that seemed inevitable at one point. Highly recommended.”

- Etha, NSW


Testimonials

Here are some of the reviews left by our esteemed clients.

Outstanding

“Michael and his team have been nothing short of outstanding. Professional, patient, supportive and person centred, truly understanding the case. Thank you.”

- Nick, NSW


Testimonials

Here are some of the reviews left by our esteemed clients.

Excellent Result

“Your efforts in negotiating with the police on my behalf made all the difference, and I’m extremely grateful for the excellent result you were able to achieve. Your approach gave me confidence throughout the process, and I truly felt supported every step of the way. I can’t thank you enough for your hard work, and l’m beyond appreciative of how you both handled everything with care and expertise. Thanks heaps.”

- Tim, NSW


Testimonials

Here are some of the reviews left by our esteemed clients.

Highly Professional

“I recently used the services of Ben at Wilcox Criminal and Civil Lawyers for my case, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the outcome. Ben managed to secure a result with no conviction recorded, which was exactly what I was hoping for. The team was professional, thorough, and communicated clearly throughout the process. They understood the nuances of the legal system and knew how to navigate it to achieve the best possible outcome for my situation. I highly recommend their services to anyone in need of skilled criminal defence representation.”

- Chris, NSW