This information on Beenleigh Magistrates Court has been provided by Clarity Law who have been appearing as criminal Lawyers in Beenleigh since 2010.
Location
The Beenleigh Magistrates Court is located in Kent St, Beenleigh QLD 4207.
You can use Waze to estimate the time to get to Beenleigh court. Please note the court is in the main CBD of Beenleigh nearby and can be very busy around 8:30am so please plan accordingly.
Map
Click here to open the court location in google maps.
Contact details
Kent St, Beenleigh QLD 4207
Phone (07) 3081 2100
Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
A list of all court contacts can be found by clicking here.
Business hours
8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday and Wednesday to Friday
8.30am to 4.00pm, Tuesday
Facilities
The court contains a number of court rooms across 2 levels with videoconferencing and a remote witness room. The court contains Magistrates Courts on the ground level and Magistrates Court and District Courts on the second level.
There are public toilets available.
For people attending court for domestic violence applications there is DV support available.
A justice of the peace is generally at the Beenleigh courthouse each day.
Department responsible
The Department of Justice and Attorney-General is in charge of the court system in Queensland.
Magistrates
Beenleigh courthouse has the following permanent Magistrates:
Magistrate Michael Gerard O'Driscoll
Daily law list
Every morning at 6:45am (updated at 8:45am) the court publishes a list of all matters (excluding children and people involved in DV matters) in the Beenleigh Court that day. The list can be found by clicking here
Calendar
Each year the Beenleigh court publishes a calendar setting out what days matters are to be heard in the court. For example Beenleigh court will hear criminal and traffic matters on Thursdays and DV applications on Fridays.
The Beenleigh court calendar can be accessed by clicking here
Parking
There is a public carpark located beside the court and accessible from James Street, the parks generally get quite full and have time limits. There is parking in the side streets
Public Transport Options
There is a bus stop (Stop ID 313786) in George St near Mac Lane, Beenleigh. It is still a number of minutes walk to the court from there.
Beenleigh train station is likely to be the best option for public transport for most people. It is a 7 minute walk to Beenleigh Magstrates court.
Entry
The Beenleigh Court has a single public entry. It is up flight of stairs but a elevator exists to the side for people unable to climb the stairs.
Security
You will need to go through airport like security to get into the building..
Types of matters heard in the Beenleigh Court
Criminal Matters
Traffic Offences
How to find your court date
To find your court date you can check or use the following methods in Queensland.
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Bail Documents: If you've been granted bail, the document will contain your next court date.
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Notice to Appear: If the police issue you a notice to appear, it will list your first mention date in court.
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QP9: The court brief, also known as QP9, includes the first mention date for the charges.
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Online Lookup: Utilise the criminal case lookup portal provided by the courts, requiring your first and last name along with your date of birth.
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Contact the Court: Reach out to the court registry.
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Consult Your Lawyer: If you have a criminal or traffic lawyer, they should be aware of your next court date, especially if they attended court on your behalf.
Learn more here: How do I find my court date?
Nearest police station
Beenleigh Police Station is right next to the court at 3 Kent Street. Its open 24hrs a day 7 days a week.
Police prosecutors address
The Logan police prosecutors are located in the Beenleigh Police station.
Their contact details are:
Phone: 3382 9666
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Address: C/‐ Beenleigh Police Station
3 Kent Street
What will appearing in Beenleigh Magistrates Court be like?
It will be overwhelming for people who have never been to court before.
You would have been given a Notice to Appear or bailed to appear. The question is, what happens on the first court date? In short, you have three options: seek an adjournment, plead not guilty, or plead guilty. We will discuss each of these options in turn.
Option #1 – Ask for an Adjournment
You are not obliged to enter a plea (of either guilty or not guilty) on the first court date if you are not sure about the implications of entering a plea. You are entitled to ask the court to adjourn your matter to a later date. If you ask for an adjournment, the charge remains before the court. You will need to return to court on the later date.
The main reason why you may wish to adjourn your matter is to get legal advice. It is always a good idea to discuss your matter with a lawyer, so you understand the possible consequences of your intended course of action. Police Prosecutors and Magistrates cannot give you legal advice.
If you tell the Magistrate that you wish to get legal advice, the Magistrate will usually adjourn your matter for about 2-4 weeks and will (usually) grant you bail. You will be expected to have contacted a lawyer and have received advice by the time you return to court.
Option #2 – Plead Guilty
If you have already decided to plead guilty, you have the option to enter your plea on the first court date. For some criminal offenses, the court will finalise your matter as soon as you enter your plea. If the charges are more serious then the court might set another date for the charges to be heard or if the charges are very serious it will need to be committed to the District or Supreme Court for finalisation.
That means that, on the first date, you will be convicted, and penalties will be imposed on. These penalties take effect the moment that they are imposed.
Therefore, it is important that you are prepared for the consequences of any penalties that the court might impose.
Please also be aware that, once you have entered a plea of guilty, it is exceedingly difficult to have this plea revoked if you change your mind. It is also exceedingly difficult to persuade the court to delay imposing penalties (that is, adjourning your matter) if you suddenly realise that the penalties might be harsher than you anticipated. You should only plead guilty if you are fully prepared for the consequences and have had legal advice from a good criminal defence lawyer.
Option #3 – Plead Not Guilty
If you decide to fight the charge, you may plead not guilty on the first court date. By pleading not guilty, you are putting the onus on the court to decide whether you have committed the offence that the police allege you committed, or not. The only way that the court can make this decision is by means of a trial. In the Magistrates Court, a trial is referred to as a “summary hearing”.
A summary hearing involves calling evidence, listening to witnesses, cross examination, submissions from prosecution and defence, etc. This is an involved process that takes a lot of time. The court cannot go through this process on the first court date, as your matter will be listed along with lots of other peoples’ matters.
Instead, if you enter a plea of not guilty on the first date, the court will pick a date (in at least 2 months’ time, depending on how busy the court is) to hold the summary hearing and adjourn your matter. You will (usually) be granted bail and ordered to return to court to attend the hearing.
There are serious consequences for pleading not guilty and proceeding to trial, especially if you are found guilty by the court. You should only plead not guilty if you understand the case against you and you have received legal advice about your prospects of successfully defending yourself.
Court Etiquette
When you’re in court:
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turn off your mobile phone
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sit quietly—don’t talk, comment or make noise if you are watching from the public gallery
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don’t eat, drink or chew gum—courthouses have an area outside the courtroom where you can eat
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don’t smoke or vape in the courthouse or near the entrance
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don’t make an audio or visual recording of proceedings
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don’t broadcast the trial in any way
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don’t speak to jurors if it is a jury trial.
Learn more: What to wear in Court | Queensland Guide 2024
What if im running late to court?
Ring the Beenleigh courthouse and explain the situation. Don’t just hope everything will be fine.
If you are sick and cannot attend the Beenleigh court then ring them and explain the situation. Depending on the circumstances the court may require you to provide a medical certificate or appear by phone.
What If I miss my court date?
If you miss a court date in Queensland, there's likely a warrant for your arrest. You can contact the court to check for a warrant and surrender yourself for a better outcome.
Surrendering promptly is advised to avoid arrest. The surrender process involves appearing at the court registry, explaining reasons for missing the date, and stating your intentions (guilty plea, legal advice, or challenging the offence).
You can surrender at any court, not necessarily the one issuing the warrant, as per the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000.
Getting a lawyer for surrender is recommended, especially for serious offences or if you lack confidence. Hiring a lawyer for surrender doesn't obligate you to retain them for the entire case. Dealing with the charge causing the warrant immediately depends on the offence; legal advice is crucial. The key message is clear: take proactive steps and surrender before waiting to be arrested.
Learn More: What do I do when you have missed your court date!
Court decisions
Generally the decisions of the Beenleigh Magistrates Court are not published.
You can contact the court registry to try and requested details of a court outcome or check to see if it published by the court.
Can I attend court to see another persons case?
Yes, as long as the court proceeding are not closed (DV and children’s matters are closed court and you cannot watch them) you are free to sit in the public gallery at the back of the court.
Fees
The court will charge for some of its services. Its fees are listed here.
In additional people pleading guilty to criminal charges are subject to an automatic offender levy.
Court Information
FAQ’s
Where the best coffee or food near the court?
There is a number of places to eat or drink near the court.
Is there somewhere to wait near the court
There are lots of places to wait around the Beenleigh as it is located in the Beenleigh Town Square. If you have a bit more time to wait then the Mall Beenleigh shopping centre is a few minutes walk away.
Will people find out I have been in court
Learn more with our article on: Can what happens in court be published?
Our Logan Office
Address: M1 Business Centre
Level 2/3972 Pacific Hwy
Loganholme QLD 4129
Hours 7am -7pm Monday to Sunday
Phone: (07) 3668 0683
Please always phone ahead to book an appointment.
Our Lawyers
Every one of our lawyers is extremely experienced appearing in the Beenleigh Magistrates Court every week representing people on a huge range of criminal charges from traffic offences to drug charges, assault charges and stealing and other criminal offences.
Belinda Smyth – Client Services Manager
Between our lawyers we have appeared in court thousands of times representing clients with criminal charges.
Can’t I just use a free duty lawyer? Why would I pay for my own private lawyer?
Facing criminal charges can be a daunting experience, and one of the crucial decisions you'll need to make is whether to hire a private criminal lawyer or rely on a duty Lawyer. While duty Lawyers play an essential role in the legal system, there are compelling reasons why opting for a private criminal lawyer might be in your best interest.
Dedicated Time and Attention:
When you hire a private criminal lawyer, you're securing their undivided attention. They have fewer cases to deal with, allowing them to invest more time and effort into building a robust strategy designed to get you the best outcome. This level of focus can be a game-changer in the outcome of your case.
Criminal defence lawyer:
A private criminal defence lawyer often only work in criminal law. This specialty equips them with in-depth knowledge and experience in handling cases similar to yours. They stay updated with the latest legal precedents, criminal law matters and strategies, giving you a competitive edge in court.
Timely and Transparent Communication:
Effective communication is vital during legal proceedings. Private criminal lawyers often have smaller caseloads, allowing them to be more accessible and responsive to your queries and concerns. This ensures you're kept informed and engaged throughout the process.
Control Over Case Management:
With a private criminal lawyer, you have more control over the direction of your case. You can collaborate closely with your lawyer to make informed decisions about your matter.
When your future is on the line, choosing a private criminal lawyer demonstrates a commitment to securing the best possible outcome for yourself.
Prices
Private lawyer don’t cost as much as you might fear.
Relevant Blog posts
- Why You Should Never Represent Yourself in Court
- Do I need to hire a criminal Lawyer?
- Should I use a Duty Lawyer for my Case?
Why should I choose you and not just represent myself?
We understand that many people do just represent themselves in court rather than engaging a criminal law firm. The duty lawyer will often represent people for free however understand that the duty lawyer is often very busy and can only spend a few minutes with each defendant. They cannot possibly fully prepare each matter and consider all the variables.
We get calls every week from people who have represented themselves and had a terrible outcome and are now desperate to try and do something to overturn the decision. Just some of the reasons to engage Clarity Law as your criminal lawyer includes;
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We have appeared in Beenleigh hundreds of times this means we know what the Magistrates want to hear to minimise the penalty
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We can often get no conviction recorded so you are not impacted financially in the future by having your job prospects restricted or travel plans affected due to having a conviction recorded
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We are there to look after your interests, neither the Magistrates nor the Police Prosecutor is going to do that, you need someone on your side to protect and look after you as you go through the criminal justice system
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We can take you through the whole process so you are not worried what will occur in Beenleigh court as we would have explained everything to you and will be with you at court to assist you. This will dramatically reduce your stress levels
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Engaging us shows the court you are taking your charges seriously
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We are local Beenleigh lawyers
Our Experience
Since 2010 we have been representing people throughout the Beenleigh region who have been charged with criminal offence and needs a good criminal lawyer to represent them. We aren’t a criminal law firm that does criminal law as just one area of law, we do criminal law exclusively.
Our client’s often come to us nervous, worried and needing answers. This is not a time for uncertainty over your future nor the costs you will pay. The stress that a criminal law charge causes to people can be overwhelming, having a lawyer to help will give you a lot of relief.
We strive to give you immediate comprehensive advice and a fixed fee so you can be sure of your legal costs. While we will never be the cheapest we do offer the best value in our humble opinion.
Our prices for a guilty plea include;
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full preparation for court and devising strategy to minimise the penalty
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obtaining QP9, history and charge documents form the Beenleigh Police Prosecutions
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preparing for what we will tell the Beenleigh Magistrate
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advising you on how to obtain character references
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all telephone calls, meetings, video links and emails
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detailed information to you on the penalty and information on what will happen at court and afterwards
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taking your calls and answering your emails quickly
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Ensuring all money you give us goes into a trust account and we can only take it when you give us permission or we are legally allowed to
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appearing in the Beenleigh court with you to conduct a guilty plea
How do I get more information or engage you to act for me?
If you want to engage us or just need further free information or advice then you can either;
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Use our contact form and we will contact you by email or phone at a time that suits you
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Call us on 1300 952 255 seven days a week, 7am to 7pm
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Click here to select a time for us to have a free 15 minute telephone conference with you
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Email the firms founder on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Send us a message on Facebook Messenger
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Click the help button at the bottom right and leave us a message
We are a no pressure law firm, we are happy to provide free initial information to assist you. If you want to engage us then great, we will give you a fixed price for our services so you will know with certainty what we will cost. All the money goes into a trust account monitored by the Queensland Law Society and cannot be taken out without your permission or until we are legally allowed to.
If you don’t engage us that fine too, at least you will have more information on the charge and its consequences.
If I contacted you what would occur?
If you contact Clarity Law then Steven Brough the firm’s founder or our client services manager Belinda Smyth will take the call or receive the email. They have almost 50 years legal experience between them, we can provide immediate legal assistance and answer any questions you have. You won’t need to explain everything to a receptionist just so they pass the message on to someone that can help you. We will discuss your case, provide guidance and send a quote by email with additional relevant information about your criminal charge, all at no cost and no obligation.
If you want to engage us then it’s easy, there is a form you can complete and email back or complete online. If you don’t want to engage us or want to engage another firm that’s fine, you won’t be hassled and at worst you will just have more information about your charge. Once engaged one of our lawyers will go through your matter and contact you to discuss what the best way forward is to achieve the best results.
From our Criminal Law Blog
