Going to court can be a frightening experience. Here’s our guide to getting prepared. But remember that the best thing you can do is have a Stryders solicitor by your side who knows your case and will act in your interests.
Before the hearing
Your summons or charge sheet will give you a time for your court hearing. It will usually be the start of the morning or at the start of the afternoon. Make sure you plan how you will get to the court and be prepared to be there for the rest of the day. The time on your notice is not necessarily the time of your hearing. You will just have to wait for your name to be called.
You can take someone with you for support and company if you like. Make sure they know what is likely to happen and how long it is likely to take too. They can sit in the public area within the courtroom while you are in your hearing.
Plan what you’re going to take with you. Smaller courts are unlikely to have anywhere for refreshments, so take a snack and a drink if you think you will need one. You will need to go through a security check so don’t pack glass or sharp items. These will be confiscated. You can take a mobile phone but it must be switched to silent and you can’t take pictures or recordings within the court building.
On the day of the hearing
You don’t need to dress formally but do think about making the best possible impression, by being respectfully dressed and presentable if you can. Jeans are OK. Shirtless is not. Make sure you arrive at least 30 minutes before the time on your notice so that we have time to meet with you in private to discuss what’s likely to happen and discuss your options.
In most cases, we will have been able to get hold of a copy of the prosecution evidence in advance, but sometimes the first time we see it is on the day of the hearing. It’s important we have enough time to consider it with you.
Switch your mobile phone to silent when you enter the court building and remember that it is forbidden to take pictures or recordings anywhere inside.
Arriving at court
You will have to pass through security and may be searched. This goes for defendants, witnesses, lawyers and members of the public.
Look out for the court list when you go in. This is usually pinned up inside the court near the entrance and lists all the cases due to be heard that day. Find your name and you will also see which courtroom number your case will be heard in.
Let the court staff know that you have arrived. You can go to the reception desk or tell an usher. Ushers normally wear a long black gown like a cape. They will probably ask you if you have a solicitor or want to speak to one, and they may ask what you intend to plead. It’s fine to tell them. It’s just to help them plan. You can change your mind at any time without telling them.
The usher will call your name when your hearing is due to start. Wait near the courtroom so you can hear them.
We will meet you at the court and speak to you before your hearing to explain what will happen and to discuss the options you have. Then we will accompany you into the hearing and act on your behalf.
Entering the courtroom
The court usher will come out of the courtroom and call your name. They will show you where to sit. Depending on the size of the room and the nature of the hearing, this might be in special box for defendants or you may just be asked to sit next to your solicitor. If you have brought a friend with you, they will sit in seats designated for members of the public. All seats face the front of the courtroom where the court clerk sits. When you enter the court, the magistrates or the judge may not be there.
Get settled quickly. The court clerk will ask you to stand as the magistrates or judge enters. You should remain standing until they and the clerk have sat down.
During the hearing
You will usually only be required to stand to confirm your name and address and enter a plea. We will do everything else. Remain quiet and only speak when asked to by the court. If you need to speak to us during the hearing, please be considerate and use a quiet voice.
After the hearing
Your case may be adjourned to a future date, which means you will be given bail, or it may conclude altogether, either because it has been discontinued or you have been sentenced. We will explain to you in each case what has happened and what you need to do next, including your options for an appeal if necessary.