Defandant Walkthrough - What about going to court?
Make sure you know which court you have to go to each time you have a hearing – it may not be the same courtroom or courthouse that you have been to before.
Make sure you know how to get to the court. You can call the court (which will be in your local phone book) for directions and information on public transport. Your solicitor will also be able to give you directions.
Get there in plenty of time. A bus or train being late is not an acceptable excuse, so make sure you know the timetables and check for changes. Also make sure you have enough money to buy the tickets you need.
At the court you will find clear signs to help you find your way around. Tell the receptionist or usher that you have arrived. This usher is the person responsible for checking people have arrived and showing them where to go.
The receptionist or usher will tell you which courtroom your case will be heard in and where to wait. Cases are listed by your surname in magistrates’ courts. In Crown Courts, cases are listed in the format ‘R v Defendant’s Name’. (R stands for Regina and means that it is the Crown who are prosecuting you).
Speaking to a solicitor can help you to understand what’s happening and what to expect. If you have a solicitor, arrange to meet them at the court. If you don’t have a solicitor, there will be a duty solicitor in the court who you can talk to at your first appearance. Ask the usher if you need help.
If there is some time to wait before your case starts, you can sit in the waiting area or in the public gallery of the courtroom and listen to other cases. If you do this, tell the usher where you have gone.
You may see people who have been called to be witnesses for you or against you. If a prosecution witness approaches you, tell a court official immediately. You and your family and friends must not approach prosecution witnesses, as this can be seen as intimidation (you putting pressure on them, frightening them or trying to influence what they may say in court). Intimidation is a very serious offence.
You should not leave the court as this can be an offence. If you have to leave the court for any reason, you must tell the usher. You should tell them where you are going, and how you can be contacted if you are needed back in court.