The crown court is a higher criminal court than a magistrates’ court and generally deals with more serious cases. With greater sentencing powers, having a professional solicitor like Stryders at your side is a must.
All about crown courts
At a crown court, your case will be heard by a professional judge. If you plead not guilty and the case goes to a trial, it will be for a jury to decide whether you are guilty or not. Crown court cases often take a long time and it can often be more than a year before they come to an end, although if you are in custody the court will try to give you an earlier date if possible.
As well as trials, crown courts can sometimes carry out sentencing for defendants that have been dealt with at a magistrates’ court, but who merit a tougher punishment than the magistrates are able to impose themselves.
The crown court therefore can impose far greater sentences than the magistrates’court. However, the judges must stay within the limits set out in the Sentencing Guidelines for each particular type of offence.
The crown court can also hear appeals against convictions, sentences or driving bans made in a magistrates’ court. In these cases, a judge will sit with two magistrates to hear the appeal and they will make the decision whether to allow or dismiss the appeal.
What to do if you have been asked to attend crown court
If you have been given notice to attend crown court, it is likely for breaching a crown court order. It is essential that you get professional representation. Contact us as soon as possible so we can discuss your options and start preparing a case which minimises your risk of receiving a much harsher sentence. Stryders are experts at managing cases in the crown courts. We will guide you through your options and be by your side through every step of the process.
Attending court is not voluntary
If you have been given a date to attend court, you must go. Failing to turn up for your hearing, if bailed, could result in an additional charge and you could even be arrested. Make sure you arrive at least 30 minutes before the time given on your notice so you have time to get through security, tell the usher you have arrived and speak to us before your hearing.
How a Stryders Law solicitor will support you at crown court
More than any other criminal court, it is absolutely vital to have professional representation if you are going to crown court. The potential sentences can be life-changing for you and those around you.
Contact us as soon as possible so that we can begin preparing your case at an early stage. Your Stryders solicitor will guide you through every step of the process, working hard to discover the prosecution’s case against you, discuss your legal options and sourcing forensic evidence and expert reports to support your case.
We will instruct barristers with exceptional experience and courtroom skills to represent you in court, all the while keeping your interests at the fore and remaining your guide to what’s happening as your case progresses and at the court itself.
We always remember that this case is fundamentally about you. You will make every decision with the help of our expert advice and that of your counsel, and your interests remain at the heart of everything we do.
Advice for children and parents
Young people under the age of 18 have extra rights under the law, including limited rights to anonymity. However, if the charge they face is serious, or they are charged jointly with an adult, they may appear in an adult crown court. Just as in a magistrates’ court, the young person will need to have an appropriate adult to accompany them.
Stryders’ empathetic youth justice solicitors can help you and your child through this complex maze. We are specialists in this field of criminal law and Stryders Law is a member of the Youth Justice Legal Centre.