JD Spicer Zeb Solicitors Banner Image

Useful Information

  • Home
  • Useful Information
  • Crime/Fraud
Services
People
News and Events
Other
Blogs

How long after being charged do you go to court?

  • Posted

A common concern for anyone facing a criminal allegation is how long after being charged do you go to court.

The time between charge and the first court appearance varies depending on whether the person is released on bail or kept in custody, as well as the nature of the offence and availability of court resources. Regardless of the seriousness of the allegation, the first hearing will almost always take place in the Magistrates Court.

If you are released on bail

If you are charged and released on police bail, you will be given a specific date and time to attend a particular Magistrates Court. Many clients understandably ask how long after being charged do you go to court when released on bail, and the answer can vary.

  • Timeline: This first hearing can be scheduled anywhere from a few weeks to several months after you are charged. The waiting time is influenced by factors such as the court's workload, the complexity of the case, and the availability of court resources.
  • Bail conditions: You must adhere to any bail conditions imposed, such as reporting to a police station, living at a specific address, or not contacting certain individuals. Breaching these conditions can lead to your re-arrest and being held in custody until your court date.

If you are kept in custody

If you are held in custody after being charged, the process is much faster due to custody time limits.

  • Timeline: The police must bring you before a Magistrates' Court on the next working day after you have been charged. This ensures that your case is heard promptly, and you are not detained for an unnecessarily long period without judicial oversight.

What happens at the first court hearing?

Your first appearance in the Magistrates' Court is a crucial step in the legal process.

  • Plea and procedure:
    • For less serious "summary-only" offences, you will enter a plea of either guilty or not guilty. If you plead guilty, the court may proceed to sentencing on the same day. If you plead not guilty, a trial date will be set.
    • For more serious "either-way" offences, you will also enter a plea. If you plead guilty, the Magistrates' Court may sentence you or send the case to the Crown Court for sentencing if its powers are insufficient. If you plead not guilty, a decision will be made on whether the case should be heard in the Magistrates' Court or sent to the Crown Court for trial.

Which factors effect how long you will wait after charge before going to court?

Several factors influence how long after being charged do you go to court, including:

  • Court backlog: The high volume of cases, particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic, has led to significant backlogs, especially in the Crown Court. This can result in delays of several months or even years for trials.
  • Complexity of the case: Cases involving large amounts of evidence, forensic analysis, or a significant number of witnesses will naturally take longer to prepare and present.
  • Plea: Pleading guilty early can significantly speed up the process, as it avoids the need for a full trial.
  • Whether you are on bail or in custody: Custody cases are subject to time limits and are therefore prioritised, while bail cases may face longer delays.

Seeking expert legal advice

Navigating the criminal justice system can be overwhelming, especially when you do not know how long after being charged do you go to court or what will happen at each stage. The best way to navigate it is with the assistance of an expert criminal defence solicitor. They can advise you on your rights, help you prepare for court, and provide robust representation to achieve the best possible outcome.

If you are facing a criminal charge and need legal advice, contact JD Spicer Zeb for a confidential consultation. Our solicitors can guide you through every stage of the process, no matter how long it takes.

Contact our criminal defence solicitors now

If you have been accused of a criminal offence, are due to attend the police station for interview, or require any urgent specialist advice or immediate representation, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

You can contact a member of our dedicated team of criminal lawyers in London, Birmingham, and Manchester by telephone on:

Or email: solicitors@jdspicer.co.uk