Children’s Court Melbourne Victoria
Dribbin & Brown Children’s Court Lawyers have handled hundreds of Children’s Court Criminal cases. We have offices in Ringwood, Moorabbin, Frankston, Geelong, Ballarat, Dandenong and the Melbourne CBD in close to proximity to the Children’s Court in each locality.
More about the Children’s Court of Victoria
The Children’s Court of Victoria has a long history. It was established in 1906 as a tailored, specialist court for dealing with children. Today, the court has 2 divisions – family and criminal. The Criminal Division deals with offences committed by children between the ages of 10 and 17. If the child turns 18 before the charges are dealt with, the Children’s Court can hear the case until the offender’s 19th birthday. After that, the matter will be dealt with in an adult court.
The Children’s Court sits at Melbourne and numerous suburban and rural courts.
The Criminal Division of the Children’s Court may deal with all charges except:
- murder;
- attempted murder;
- manslaughter;
- child homicide;
- defensive homicide;
- arson causing death; and
- culpable driving causing death.
The Criminal Division can also hear committal proceedings for serious criminal charges where the matter will ultimately be dealt with by a judge and jury in the County or Supreme Courts.
Sentencing – general principles
The Children’s Court has a completely different sentencing scale to adult court and a completely different approach to dealing with children facing criminal charges. If you have a child facing criminal charges, you should call our office today.
