Criminal matters may be heard in the Magistrates, District or Supreme Courts.

It is possible for a matter heard in the Magistrates Court to be decided without the defendant being present. Where someone is convicted in these circumstances, it is called an 'ex parte conviction'. An application can be made to set aside an ex parte conviction. The application is heard in the Magistrates Court. For more information, see Application to set aside an ex parte conviction.

Appeals in criminal matters can be against a conviction itself and/or about the severity of the sentence (penalty).

An appeal is not a re-hearing to see if someone else will come to a different decision. It is not usually possible to re-argue questions of fact on appeal (unless special permission is granted). In most cases, the appeal must be based on some question of law. As an appeal therefore often means the arguing of legal principles, it is difficult for appellants who do not have some legal training to conduct their own appeals. A person who wants to appeal against a magistrate's decision should seek legal advice as quickly as possible.

Where a defendant attends a Magistrates Court hearing and:

Appeals against a conviction or sentence handed down by the District or Supreme Court (these are called 'Higher Courts') are heard by the Court of Appeal, the appellate division of the Supreme Court (being at least three specially appointed appeal judges sitting together) [see Criminal Procedure Act 1921 (SA) s 157].