The aim of the Courts and Prosecutions Services Division is to provide an independent and professional prosecution service to the community of Victoria. The division prosecutes judicial and coronial proceedings on behalf of Victoria Police.
The Prosecutions Unit process
Approaching the court system can be a challenging prospect.
Senior Sergeant Jackie Urquhart talks about their services to Justin Smith, at Melbourne Prosecutions. They explains the prosecutions process, and the support available to victims and witnesses.
Information for witnesses
If you have been summoned to appear before a court hearing as a witness, read our Witness summons page for information on what to expect.
Information for accused persons
Going to court
If you have been charged with an offence that can be heard in the Magistrates Court, you should speak to a legal practitioner (a lawyer) immediately.
Your charge sheet will have some information about the charge.
If you have been charged with an indictable offence (noted on the charge and summons sheet), you must attend court. A warrant for your arrest may be issued if you don't attend court. This may prolong the court process.
Legally represented
You may have already engaged, or intend to engage, a lawyer. Advise your legal representative to contact the relevant police prosecution unit to discuss your matter before your court date.
See our list of prosecutions units in Victoria.
Legal advice
If you do not have a lawyer, but want legal advice, visit the Victoria Legal Aid website.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can also visit the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service website.
Entering a plea
If you do not have a lawyer and intend to plead guilty or not guilty, visit the Magistrates’ Court website(opens in a new window) and follow the prompts from the front page of the site.
Discussing your court case - Summary Case Conference Service
Victoria Police is committed to providing a Summary Case Conference Service that promotes dialogue at the earliest opportunity between prosecution and defence.
Our service is designed to provide out-of-court discussions to identify issues and resolve them where possible. These discussions are conducted by a method suitable to the parties. It could be via phone, Microsoft Teams or email.
You are encouraged to contact the prosecutions unit relevant to the court you have been summonsed to attend at the earliest opportunity, preferably before the court date. See our list of prosecutions units in Victoria.
The prosecutor will be able to discuss your case and look to progress the hearing as quickly as possible. When you contact the prosecutions unit, you can:
- talk to the prosecutor about your case
- ask questions about the court process
- provide your view of the evidence, and also your version of events
- negotiate charges and the summary of allegations (what is read to the court on a guilty plea).
Early interaction with the prosecutor will assist in moving your case through the court system and to the final stages.
Victoria Police prosecutors are unable to provide legal advice. It is recommended that legal advice is sought from a qualified legal practitioner.
Services available include Victoria Legal Aid and Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service.
Police Prosecutions Unit contact details
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