Magistrates Court Representation

Whenever an individual is charged with a criminal offence, their first court appearance will be in the Magistrates’ Court. It will then be determined whether the case can be heard in the Magistrates’ Court, where the vast majority of minor offences are dealt with, or whether it needs to be heard in the Crown Court.

Some offences can only be dealt with in the Magistrates Court and some can only be dealt with in the Crown Court. However, there are a large number of offences which could be heard in either venue and, depending on the circumstances, you may have a choice in this regard. This can be one of the most important decisions in the whole process.

We have a team of specialist advocates, experienced at dealing with matters in the Magistrates’ Court and who practice in these courts on a daily basis. Our experience and proficiency in these proceedings provides our clients with the highest standard of representation whether the case remains in the Magistrates’ Court or proceeds to the crown court.

Our experienced team of advocates provide advice and assistance at an early stage with regards to the strength of the evidence, whether to plead guilty or not guilty and the likely sentence if convicted. Where cases are to proceed to trial they will also advise on the preferred venue for that trial and any issues that need to be addressed in advance of the main hearing.

We also aim to provide continuity of representation wherever possible. Our advocates conduct Magistrates’ Court trials on a regular basis and we will always endeavor to ensure that the same advocate maintains conduct of a case from the start of the process to the finish. This provides our clients with a level of consistency and a degree of familiarity with their representative. Additionally, it allows for better trial preparation and more thorough knowledge of a case, improving the prospects of success at trial.

Many of our Advocates also participate in the Duty Solicitor scheme which involves providing advice and assistance to Defendants at court who do not already have representation. This service is provided free of charge.

If you have been bailed or summoned to attend a Magistrates’ Court, or you are to be produced there in custody, contact us on 0800 321 3334 and we will arrange for one of our qualified advocates to attend court and represent you.

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