News · Criminal law explainer
How long does a criminal case take in NSW?
One of the hardest parts of being charged is not knowing how long it will take. The honest answer is that it depends on the charge, the court, and how the matter is resolved. This note gives a realistic picture of the timeframes in New South Wales, so you can plan and understand why it takes as long as it does.
By Aaron Kernaghan · Published 3 September 2026
It depends. A guilty plea in the Local Court can finish in weeks to a few months. A defended Local Court hearing usually takes several months to reach a hearing date. An indictable matter in the District or Supreme Court can take one to two years or more, because of committal, the brief, and the waiting time for a trial. Delays are common, and each case is different.
A guilty plea in the Local Court
The quickest path is a guilty plea in the Local Court. Where you plead guilty early and the matter is straightforward, it can be finalised in a matter of weeks to a few months from the first court date. Sentence may happen on the same day as the plea, or on a date set a few weeks later to allow reports and references.
Even a guilty plea takes some time, because it is worth getting advice, reading the material, and preparing the plea in mitigation properly rather than rushing it.
A defended matter in the Local Court
If you plead not guilty, the matter is set down for a defended hearing, and that usually takes several months to reach. Time is needed for the brief to be served, for the issues to be identified, and for a hearing date to become available. Busy court lists mean the wait can be longer.
The hearing itself is often a single day, or a few days for a more involved matter. The wait is mostly in getting to the hearing, not the hearing itself.
An indictable matter in the higher courts
Serious matters that go to the District or Supreme Court take much longer. There is the committal stage in the Local Court, then the matter is committed up, arraigned, and set down for trial. From charge to trial can be one to two years, and sometimes longer, depending on the complexity and the court's list.
A guilty plea in a higher court is quicker than a trial, but still takes months. The length reflects the seriousness and the care these matters require.
What causes delay?
Delay comes from many sources: the time to serve the brief, applications and negotiations, the availability of witnesses and experts, busy court lists, and adjournments. Some delay is unavoidable, and some can be reduced by preparing early and resolving what can be resolved.
Delay is not always bad for an accused. Sometimes time allows evidence to be gathered, rehabilitation to be shown, or the prosecution case to weaken. But the uncertainty is hard, and it is fair to want it over.
Can it be made faster?
Some things speed a matter up: getting advice early, receiving and reading the brief promptly, resolving the plea, and being ready on each date. A matter that is well prepared moves more smoothly than one that drifts.
A lawyer can help keep a matter on track and can advise on whether an early resolution is in your interest. Our notes on the first thirty days and how to plead explain the early steps that set the pace.
Frequently asked.
How long does a criminal case take in NSW?
It depends on the charge, the court, and the plea. A guilty plea in the Local Court can finish in weeks to a few months. A defended Local Court matter takes several months. An indictable matter can take one to two years or more.
How long does a guilty plea take?
In the Local Court, a guilty plea entered early can be finalised in weeks to a few months. Sentence may be on the same day or a few weeks later to allow reports and references.
Why does a defended hearing take so long to come on?
Time is needed to serve the brief, identify the issues, and find a hearing date, and busy court lists add to the wait. The hearing itself is often a single day.
How long do serious indictable matters take?
Matters in the District or Supreme Court can take one to two years or more from charge to trial, because of committal, the brief, arraignment, and the waiting time for a trial date.
Can I make my case go faster?
Getting advice early, reading the brief promptly, resolving the plea, and being ready on each date all help. A well-prepared matter moves more smoothly than one that drifts.
To speak to a criminal defence lawyer, call Aaron Kernaghan on 0421 717 019.
This article is written by Aaron Kernaghan, criminal defence lawyer at Good Legal Lawyers, as at 3 September 2026. It is commentary and reflects the personal opinion of the author only. It is not legal advice, it is not a substitute for advice on your own matter, and it does not purport to be accurate or complete. Any matter referred to may be before the court and any person charged is presumed innocent. For advice on a specific matter, contact Aaron Kernaghan on 0421 717 019 or contact the firm.
More criminal-law commentary by Aaron Kernaghan.
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