Appearances at Stratford Magistrates Court

Frequently asked questions about Stratford Magistrates Court

What happens at a first appearance in court?

At the first appearance at Stratford Magistrates' Court, you will be formally presented with the charges against you and asked to confirm your personal details. You must then indicate whether you plead guilty or not guilty.

If a guilty plea is entered, the Magistrates may proceed to sentencing or adjourn to gather further information. A not guilty plea will result in the case being scheduled for trial or a case management hearing.

Our skilled criminal law solicitors provide expert representation at Stratford Magistrates’ Court, ensuring your rights are protected while advising on the best course of action tailored to your case.

Can solicitors represent people at Stratford Magistrates’ Court?

Yes, our criminal defence solicitors can represent you at Magistrates’ Court. We have extensive experience handling a wide range of criminal cases in Stratford and the wider London area.

Our team are qualified legal professionals who can provide specialist advice, support and representation to help you secure the most favourable result.

We can assist with advice prior to attending the court, presenting your case and questioning any present witnesses on your behalf.

If eligible, you may also receive legal aid to cover the costs of legal representation in Stratford Court.

How much do lawyers charge for a court appearance?

There are two options for funding your court case - legal aid or private funding.

If you are due to be prosecuted in a Magistrates’ Court, you can apply for a Representation Order to cover some or all of the cost of your defence. This is commonly referred to as ‘legal aid’.

To qualify for Stratford Court representation, you will need to pass a means test and a merit test, which will determine if you receive aid and how much.

Alternatively, you can pay for private legal representation. We can give you a transparent quote and advise you on the costs involved in hiring one of our solicitors for a court appearance.

The costs that we charge for a Stratford Court appearance will depend on the complexity of the case and the amount of work involved.

If you are seeking an enhanced private service for the best chance of obtaining a successful outcome, please get in touch for a quote.

Am I entitled to legal representation in court?

There are several options available for legal representation in Stratford Court. It is strongly advisable to consult and be represented by a solicitor, either privately hired or provided through legal aid, depending on financial eligibility.

Legal representation ensures your case is presented effectively, your rights are protected, and you receive expert guidance on court procedures and potential outcomes.

In criminal cases, having a solicitor is particularly important for understanding the charges, negotiating with the prosecution, and preparing a strong defence.

If you cannot afford a solicitor, you may qualify for legal aid to cover the cost of an appearance at Stratford Court.

What should you do when you arrive at Stratford Magistrates’ Court for your hearing?

When you instruct a solicitor from our firm, you will have an opportunity to discuss the prosecution’s evidence with your solicitor before you are called into court.

We will arrange to meet with you at Stratford Magistrates’ Court or before, depending on the circumstances of your case.

We advise all of our clients to arrive at least 30 minutes early to pass security checks and establish where you need to be before the hearing starts.