Crown Court Cases
When you’re facing serious charges, you need the right team on your side, one that provides expert legal advice and provides you with a voice.
Indictable Offences
All criminal cases are heard in the Magistrates’ Court initially, regardless of how serious the offences are.
Anyone facing an either way offence can choose to have their trial in the Crown Court, or it may be sent there by the Magistrates for trial and/or sentence if the charges are too serious for the lower court to deal with.
Certain offences, known as “indictable only offences” can only be heard in the Crown Court and will be sent there from the Magistrates’ Court.
Indictable Offences Include
- Murder
- Unlawful act manslaughter
- Wounding or grievous bodily harm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm
- Some sexual offences such as rape and assault by penetration
- Robbery
- Blackmail
- Causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity involving penetration
- False imprisonment
- Some burglary cases
- Some drug supply cases
The procedure at Crown Court is different to that of the Magistrates’ Court. If a case is sent to the Crown Court for trial, or where there is an indictable only offence, the first hearing at the Crown Court will be a Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing. The direction of the case is established and various other hearings may take place before the trial.
Support From Legal Experts
Facing a case at the Crown Court can be extremely worrying. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you have the right legal team representing you. Whether you have a pending or existing case, contact us to find out how we can help.
Want to know if you’ll be eligible for Legal Aid in Crown Court proceedings? Check out our Legal Aid information page or get in touch.
