What happens when you go to Magistrate court?
At the Magistrates’ Court, your trial will be heard either by a District Judge or by a bench of lay Magistrates. The Magistrates or the District Judge decides on matters of law (for example whether evidence is admissible) and fact (for example have you done what the prosecution say you have done?).
What is a magistrates jurisdiction?
The magistrates court has a very wide jurisdiction covering both criminal and civil proceedings, and the history of the court makes interesting reading. Criminal cases (cases where a person faces a criminal charge, and, if convicted, can be sentenced) take up the bulk of the court’s time.
Are magistrate court records public UK?
Magistrates’ court lists in England and Wales will be published online for the first time, making it easier to access listing information. From today (1 September 2020), the public and legal professionals can view magistrates’ court listings online on Courtserve.
Can a magistrates court send you to jail?
If they plead guilty or are later found to be guilty, the magistrates can impose a sentence, generally of up to six months’ imprisonment for a single offence (12 months in total), or a fine of an unlimited amount. Cases are either heard by two or three magistrates or by one district judge.
What happens at first appearance at magistrates court?
What will happen at the first court hearing in the Magistrates’ Court? At the first court hearing you will be given a copy of the papers. Please note that this isn’t necessarily all of the evidence that will eventually be served by the prosecution if you plead not guilty and your case proceeds to trial.
What happens if you plead not guilty in a magistrates court?
Pleading not guilty If you plead not guilty your case will go to trial. The magistrates or, if you are in Crown Court, the jury will decide whether the prosecution has proved that you are guilty. Otherwise, you will be found not guilty. If you are found not guilty you are free to leave.
What sentences can Magistrates Court give?
Sentencing in magistrates’ courts Magistrates have sentencing powers that allow them to impose a range of sentences, including unlimited fines, bans, community orders and up to six months’ custody for a single offence and 12 months in total.
What cases are done at magistrates court?
Our Magistrates’ Court Unit prosecutes offences of domestic abuse, assaults, criminal damage, minor public disorder incidents, all but the most serious traffic offences, possession of drugs, dangerous dog offences, offences of dishonesty and commercial burglaries.
What punishments can magistrates give?
Magistrates have sentencing powers that allow them to impose a range of sentences, including unlimited fines, bans, community orders and up to six months’ custody for a single offence and 12 months in total.
What’s the maximum sentence in a magistrates court?
Sentences a magistrates’ court can give up to 6 months in prison (or up to 12 months in total for more than one offence) a fine. a community sentence, like doing unpaid work in the community.