Magistrates Court

If you are charged by the police with an offence,  in almost all cases you will make your first appearance at a Magistrates’ Court.

Some cases can only be tried in a Magistrates’ Court, some only in a Crown Court, and in some cases you will be given the choice. We will advise you as to which of these applies in your case and assist you in making the right decision if you have a choice. 

If you plead guilty in the Magistrates’ Court sentencing may take place immediately, or within a short space of time thereafter, or in some instances your case will be committed to the Crown Court for sentence. We will advise you of the likely outcome, before you enter a plea, so that you know exactly what is likely to happen.

If you plead not guilty to a case being tried in the magistrates’ court it will be adjourned for trial.

A Magistrates’ Court powers of punishment (sentence), is considerably less than that of the Crown Court.