Address: 1140 Nepean Highway, Highett VIC 3190
Phone: (03) 9063 0113
Fax: (03) 7024 2988
Email: moorabbinregistry@courts.vic.gov.au
Postal Address: PO Box 2042, Moorabbin VIC 3189
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 4:30pm
Doogue + George provides legal representation to clients , especially children , who have matters that need to be heard at the Moorabbin Children’s Court. We have an office located in Moorabbin and our lawyers are experienced in dealing with cases that involve children accused of criminal behaviour. Whether you are pleading guilty or not guilty, our Moorabbin Children’s Court lawyers can help you assess your case and effectively prepare a criminal defence with the best possible outcome in court.
Contact us for confidential legal advice so we can properly evaluate the merits of the allegations that have been made against you. It is also crucial that you speak with a criminal lawyer prior to attending police interviews. Anything you tell police without proper legal advice will directly impact your criminal defence and potentially make it harder to run later on. Our lawyers can be with you during police interviews to provide guidance and reassurance.
About the Moorabbin Children’s Court
The Moorabbin Children’s Court is located within the Moorabbin Justice Centre, which opened in October 2007 as part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to improving access to justice in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne. The Justice Centre houses the Magistrates’ Court, the Children’s Court, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), Corrections Victoria, the Sheriff’s Office, and the Police Prosecutions Unit.
The Moorabbin Children’s Court draws cases from the municipalities of Kingston, Glen Eira, Bayside, and parts of Monash.
The Children’s Court – Criminal Division
The Children’s Court of Victoria is a specialist court with two divisions. The Criminal Division hears criminal matters involving children , that is, persons aged 12 to 17 years at the time of the alleged offence. Children under 12 cannot be charged with a criminal offence in Victoria. The Family Division hears applications relating to the protection and care of children at risk, and applications for intervention orders.
The Children’s Court applies a different framework to adult criminal proceedings, with a greater emphasis on rehabilitation and the best interests of the child. Proceedings in the Children’s Court are generally not open to the public, and there are restrictions on the publication of information that could identify a child involved in proceedings.
Getting to Moorabbin Children’s Court
By public transport: The court is accessible by public transport. Use the PTV Journey Planner at ptv.vic.gov.au to plan your trip.
By car: Limited on-site car parking is available at the Moorabbin Justice Centre. Additional parking is available in surrounding streets.
Why You Need a Lawyer at the Moorabbin Children’s Court
Criminal matters in the Children’s Court can have serious consequences for a young person’s future. Having experienced legal representation is essential to:
- Properly assess the strength of the prosecution case and identify any weaknesses
- Advise whether to plead guilty or contest the charge
- Prepare the strongest possible material for a plea hearing, including character references and any relevant reports
- Make informed submissions about the appropriate disposition, taking into account the young person’s circumstances and prospects of rehabilitation
- Navigate the bail process if the young person is in custody
Doogue + George strongly believes that children must be kept out of custody wherever possible. We support the principle that the criminal justice system should, where appropriate, focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment for young offenders.
What Happens at the Moorabbin Children’s Court
When a child is charged with a criminal offence, the matter will be listed at the Children’s Court. The first court date is usually a mention, at which the court will determine how the matter will proceed. The child’s lawyer will appear and the court will set a timetable for the next steps.
If the child pleads guilty, the matter will be listed for a plea hearing. At a plea hearing, the child’s lawyer makes submissions about the appropriate outcome, taking into account the child’s age, background, circumstances, and prospects of rehabilitation. The court has a range of dispositions available, including diversion, good behaviour bonds, fines, community service, and , as a last resort , detention in a youth justice centre.
If the child pleads not guilty, the matter will be listed for a contested hearing. At a contested hearing, the magistrate hears evidence from both the prosecution and the defence and determines whether the charge is proven beyond reasonable doubt.
In serious matters, the Children’s Court may commit a child to the County Court or Supreme Court for trial or plea if the offence is of a kind that can be heard in a higher court.
Throughout all stages of the proceeding, having experienced legal representation is essential. The Children’s Court process can be confusing and distressing for both the child and their family. Our lawyers will explain every step of the process clearly and work toward the best possible outcome.
Before Attending a Police Interview
If your child has been asked to attend a police interview, do not allow them to be interviewed without first speaking to a criminal lawyer. Anything said in a police interview without proper legal advice can significantly affect the criminal defence and may make it harder to contest the charges at a later stage.
Our lawyers are experienced in advising clients prior to and during police interviews. We can attend the interview with your child to provide guidance and ensure their rights are protected.
Case Studies
Below are some of our case studies from actual cases that we have defended in Moorabbin courts, some involving children and some directly at the Moorabbin Children’s Court.
TIME IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is a child for the purposes of the Children's Court?
A person is treated as a child in the Children’s Court’s Criminal Division if they were aged 12 to 17 at the time of the alleged offence. Children under 12 cannot be charged with a criminal offence in Victoria.
Are Children's Court proceedings open to the public?
No. Children’s Court proceedings are generally not open to the public. There are also restrictions on the publication of any information that could identify a child involved in proceedings.
What is the difference between the Criminal Division and the Family Division of the Children's Court?
The Criminal Division hears criminal charges against children. The Family Division hears child protection applications and applications for intervention orders involving children.
Can my child be remanded in custody at the Moorabbin Children's Court?
Yes. If bail is refused, a child may be remanded in custody. Doogue + George strongly believes that children should be kept out of custody wherever possible and will make every effort to obtain bail for a young client.
What areas does the Moorabbin Children's Court cover?
The Moorabbin Children’s Court draws cases from the municipalities of Kingston, Glen Eira, Bayside, and parts of Monash.
