If an indictable offence must be heard in the County Court of Victoria or the Supreme Court of Victoria, a magistrate in the Magistrates Court of Victoria will usually first decide if there is enough evidence for the case to proceed in these higher courts.

The magistrate may conduct a Committal Hearing to make this decision. This is a court hearing where the Magistrate will hear some of evidence and decide if there is enough evidence to support the case. 

If there is insufficient evidence, the Magistrate will dismiss the charges. 

If the Magistrate decides that there is sufficient evidence, the Magistrate will decide that the person is ‘committed for trial.’ This means that the case will be transferred to the County Court of Victoria or the Supreme Court of Victoria to be listed for a trial before a judge and jury to determine whether the person is guilty of some or all of the criminal offences for which they have been charged.