Attending Court

The courts

There are two types of Court where criminal offences are concerned, the Magistrates’ Court and the Crown Court. A trial will take place in the Crown court, not every Crown Court is equipped to try a case of murder. The very first hearing after a man is arrested, regardless of crime is heard in a Magistrates’ Court.

There are a number of Magistrates' Court Appearances for the Defendant prior to the Trial at the Crown Court.

Magistrates Court.

On the first occasion the Defendant is presented before the Magistrate. The charge is read out, the terms of BAlL are set or the Prisoner is “REMANDED ON BAlL” Where a serious offence is involved, it is more usual for the Defendant to be REMANDED IN PRISON.

The subsequent appearances at this Court are to ensure that the Bail conditions are being maintained OR the Prisoner is 'shown' to the Magistrate and Public. Traditionally this is to show that the Prisoner is still alive and well while in prison!

The last time the accused appears in the Magistrates’ Court is when he is COMMITTED FOR TRIAL; this is called the Committal hearing. This hearing happens when The Crown Prosecution have completed their investigations and are ready to present their case. The case now takes its place on the ‘LlSTS’ for the Trial at Crown Court.

Sample Check list:

Items to take each day.

	Defendant's clothes.
	Full tank of petrol.
	Money for car-park, fares, food, drinks.
	Tissues.
	Note-book and pens (get a Friend to write as much down as possible in Court).
	MEDICATION.
	Writing paper and envelopes for sending notes to the Barrister, you may be prompted into remembering a vital bit of evidence. It is too late after the trial!
	Some Solicitors are able to find money for a Family to attend the Court and also to go towards the Defendant's clothes. It is well worth the Family asking.
	Plan what clothes to wear clothes.
	Travelling could be far and in all weathers. Are shoes comfortable for such a long day? Is you hair easy to do and keep tidy? Do you have a suitable bag for what you need to take?
	Clothes may have to be taken to Court, for the Defendant. daily. Find out which clothes the Defendant wants/needs? Are they ready? Where and when do they need to be handed in?
	Consider asking the Family Doctor for a sick-note. Most people find that it is impossible for them to continue working while their loved one is on Trial.
	You are not Super-man. Take care of yourself.
	FINANCIAL PLANNING early on can really help avoid serious problems. Having a Family Member in prison is expensive but having to take time off work for what may be long trial can be financially crippling. We all do it! Nothing must stand in the way of supporting the precious, loved one who has place themselves at such hazard.
	PLAN, PLAN, PLAN.

Attending Court

Orders: