Your day at the Magistrates Court and what to expect

[Andyorch]

21 hours ago, Man in the middle said:

For information, this is what is likely to happen on the day:

 

When you arrive at the court building, report to reception. They will have a list of those expected to attend. Make it clear you’d like to see the Duty Solicitor (DS). If they prevaricate, make it clear that you are entitled to see the DS  as you are appearing for the first time and you face a charge which can carry a custodial sentence.

 

When you see the DS he (I’ll use he but it might just as likely be “she”) will want to know your side of the story. He will also take brief notes about your domestic situation, income, employment, etc.

 

You will be called into court and should be asked to stand in the enclosed dock. The court will be presided over by either three “Lay” Magistrates or possibly a District Judge (DJ) sitting alone (some big cities make more use of DJs than smaller cities and towns). In front of them will be the court’s Legal Advisor. They are the only people facing outwards towards the court. Everybody else faces them.

 

Facing the Bench will be the Duty Solicitor  - probably nearest you – and the prosecutor. There may be a few other odd people sitting in the court but they will be nothing to do with you. There are no wigs and gowns, only suits and boots.

 

The charge will be read to you by the Legal Advisor and you will be asked to enter your plea. If you plead Guilty the prosecutor will provide a brief outline of what happened. The DS will respond with anything he thinks the court should hear about the offence and you.

 

The Magistrates may retire to discuss their sentence or they may just agree their sentence whilst remaining in court. If a DJ is presiding, he or she is unlikely to retire. You will then be sentenced.

 

Whilst a Magistrates’ Court is a formal court of law, it is far less formal than a Crown Court and you need not be worried that you will be bullied or intimidated.