Representation at the Magistrates Court Guide and Free Advice
Have you been summonsed to Court? Been charged by police to appear before the Magistrates’ Court? We can help defend you with specialist advice, assistance, and representation.
For an enhanced full private service, click here, we also offer Legal Aid. We specialise in a wide range of Criminal Charges. We are highly regarded by clients, the agencies working in the criminal justice system, and professionals.
If we think there is a reasonable chance we can persuade the police or CPS to drop the case because it is not in the public interest to proceed or the case is weak and a conviction is unrealistic, we will tell you right away and take action.
In many cases, we have secured cautions by asking for the case to go back to the police station for a caution. In some cases, the decision to charge is plainly wrong or new evidence comes to light and we are experts at arguing this with the police or CPS.
For private paying or legal aid clients, taking early action can save time and costs. Ending the real trauma of having a case hanging over your head is a huge relief for our clients. We can act for you on legal aid if you qualify or privately if you seek a private enhanced service.
We understand that having to appear at the Magistrates’ Court can be a very intimidating and daunting experience. To ensure you have the right support, you should only go to respected advocates who do this work daily.
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There is limited recourse for you if you are falsely accused. Click a selection of the cases we have covered. The best thing you can do is to instruct an excellent solicitor from the outset.
That is why we recommend that you contact our specialist Magistrates’ Court solicitors, most of who are effectively the equivalent in the medical profession of a consultant level.
Do this as soon as possible so that we can provide specialist advice, support and representation to help secure the most favourable result for you in Court.
We have many repeat clients, which makes us a very busy firm. Our Lawyers are specialists, benefiting from daily experience appearing in many courts, including the Magistrates’. They are respected courtroom advocates, and many have higher rights of audience to conduct Crown Court trials themselves.
Having an experienced courtroom lawyer will certainly make a difference to the result during Magistrates’ Court hearings. We are not just an online firm with cases built from online work. We go to court every day, so our firm and lawyers are well-known by the CPS, court staff and judges.
Our clients keep coming back to us as we have a good reputation for engaging excellent court advocate lawyers. If you do not qualify for legal aid we will offer a fair private fee service and a meeting before the court date to discuss the case by telephone, Zoom, or face to face.
Speak to our team for Magistrates’ Court representation
For a free initial consultation on your legal position and the available options, contact our local offices in London, Birmingham or Manchester.
For immediate representation and advice about Magistrates’ Court trials and hearings, you can contact our Emergency Number: 07836 577 556, and we will provide you with the urgent assistance you need.
Common questions about the Magistrates Court
What is the Magistrates Court?
The Magistrates’ Court is a lower court in England and Wales where virtually all criminal proceedings start. The Magistrates’ Court normally handles ‘summary only’ cases, as well as some ‘either way offences’. The most serious offences (indictable offences) are passed on to the Crown Court and are not handled by the Magistrates’ Court.
Magistrates’ Courts also have extensive civil jurisdiction, handling various issues such as those involving family proceedings.
The individuals who sit in Magistrates’ Courts include:
- District Judges
- Magistrates
- Justices’ Legal Advisers
There is no jury at a Magistrates’ Court.
What can I expect at the first hearing?
During the first hearing, you will be expected to indicate your plea (guilty or not guilty).
What happens at a Magistrates Court trial?
If you plead not guilty, a decision will be made as to whether a trial should take place in the Magistrates’ Court. As mentioned above, summary-only cases and some either-way cases will be held there.
If the case is heard as a Trial in the Magistrates’, the prosecution will provide a summary of the case against you. Evidence will be called in if agreed by you and your solicitor. Your solicitor can question any present witnesses on your behalf. The court will also hear legal arguments from your lawyers on issues related to the law or case.
During the trial, your police interview will be read to the court, and the prosecutor will proceed to close the case.
If the prosecution’s evidence is strong enough for the case to continue, your defence solicitor will then put forward your case and present witnesses.
The Magistrates or District Judge will then consider their verdict and determine whether you are guilty or not guilty. There is no jury in the Magistrates’ Court.
How long does a Magistrates Court trial take?
Magistrates’ Court trials will usually take a full day to complete, often taking around five or six hours. It could take more or less time depending on the number of witnesses and amount of evidence needed.
Can the Magistrates Court send me to prison?
Magistrates do have the power to send you to prison, though their sentencing powers are somewhat restricted.
Unlimited fines, bans, community orders and prison sentences of up to six months custody can all be handed out depending on the type of offence. In some cases, if there is more than one either way offence to be sentenced, Magistrates’ can send people to prison for up to 12 months.
Contact our Magistrates’ Court solicitors today
For urgent specialist advice, immediate representation or to speak to us confidentially about how we can help provide you with Magistrates’ Court assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated team of specialist Magistrates Court solicitors in London, Birmingham or Manchester on telephone:
- Brent & Camden London Office: 020 7624 7771
- Manchester Office: 0161 835 1638
- Birmingham Office: 0121 614 3333
- City of London: 0207 624 7771 - our senior Solicitors and Partners can meet by appointment in the City.
Or email: solicitors@jdspicer.co.uk
Alternatively, you can fill out our quick online enquiry form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
24/7 legal representation for criminal offences
For immediate representation and advice about Magistrates’ Court trials and hearings, you can contact our Emergency Number: 07836 577 556, and we will provide you with the urgent assistance you need.
Useful Information
- How can I get the CPS to drop the charges against me?
- How can I get the police to drop charges against me?
- How can I get the police to caution me?
- Police Stop and Search UK
- Pre-charge bail - What You Need to Know
- Read our Police Station Advice Guide
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- Voluntary Police Interview - What You Need to Know
- What is a 'No further action' letter?
- What to expect in Police Custody
- Why Choose a Private Solicitor for a Magistrates' or Crown Court Case?
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