Crown Court

The Crown Court deals with the most serious criminal cases in England and Wales. It also hears some appeals from magistrates’ courts and sentences people sent there by magistrates.

This guide explains what happens at the Crown Court and where to find help. It is general information, not legal advice. Court procedure depends on the charge, the stage of the case and the judge’s directions.

What is the Crown Court?

Almost every criminal case starts in the magistrates’ court. The Crown Court deals with:

For an either way offence, the magistrates’ court decides whether the case is suitable to stay there. If it keeps the case but the defendant does not agree to magistrates’ court trial, the case is sent to the Crown Court. The rules are set out in Criminal Procedure Rules 2025, Part 9.

For an overview, see Judiciary: the Crown Court and GOV.UK: Crown Court.

Who are you?

This guide has information for different people:

What happens at the first Crown Court hearing?

The court will tell the defendant, or their legal representative, the date and purpose of the first hearing. In many cases this will be a plea and trial preparation hearing, often called a PTPH.

At a PTPH, the court may ask for a plea, deal with bail, set a timetable, identify the main issues, make directions about evidence, and fix a trial or sentencing date.

An arraignment is when the defendant is formally asked whether they plead guilty or not guilty to each charge.

Do not assume that you can miss a hearing. The court decides whether a defendant must attend in person, may attend by live link, or may be excused. If you cannot attend, tell your solicitor or contact the court as soon as possible and obtain confirmation of any permission to be absent.

Your case and your rights as a defendant

A defendant has the right to a fair trial. The prosecution must prove guilt. The defendant does not have to prove innocence.

A defendant can obtain legal advice, challenge the prosecution case, give evidence if they choose, and ask for reasonable adjustments where needed. The judge controls the hearing and decides questions of law and procedure.

You or your representative can ask the judge for a break or an adjustment. The judge will decide whether and when this can be accommodated.

Do not contact jurors, witnesses, complainants or their family members about the case. Do not discuss evidence or publish information about the case on social media. This may interfere with the case and can have serious consequences.

Legal representation and legal aid

Get legal advice as early as possible if you are charged with an offence. A criminal defence solicitor can explain the allegation, the evidence, bail, court dates and available options.

Legal aid may be available for Crown Court proceedings. Eligibility depends on financial circumstances and the type of case. Your solicitor can advise on an application and any contribution you may have to make.

If you do not have a solicitor, tell the court as soon as possible. Do not ignore a hearing notice. For further information, see GOV.UK: criminal legal aid means testing and HMCTS: support for defendants in criminal courts.

Bail and being kept in custody

A defendant may be granted bail, which means they are released while the case continues. Bail can have conditions, such as where the person lives, who they can contact, where they may go, a curfew or electronic monitoring.

A defendant may instead be remanded in custody, which means they are kept in prison until the next hearing or trial. The court considers the law and the facts of the case when making a bail decision.

It is important to understand and follow every bail condition. Breaching bail can lead to arrest and a fresh decision about custody. See GOV.UK: remand after charge.

What happens at a trial?

If a defendant pleads not guilty, the court may set a trial date. A Crown Court trial normally has a judge and a jury of 12.

The prosecution presents its case. The defence can challenge the evidence and may present its own case. Witnesses may give evidence and be questioned. The exact order of events varies from case to case.

Before the jury considers its verdict, the judge explains the law and gives directions about how the jury should approach the evidence. The jury is first asked to try to reach a unanimous verdict. Only after further directions from the judge may a majority verdict be accepted.

A jury may find a defendant guilty or not guilty. It may also be unable to reach a verdict. This is sometimes called a hung jury.

What happens after a guilty plea or conviction?

The judge may sentence immediately, but sentencing is often put back to another date. The court may need reports or further information, such as a probation report, medical evidence, information about the impact on a victim, or details relevant to confiscation.

The Crown Court can impose sentences and orders within the powers allowed by law. These can include a community sentence, fine, compensation order, driving disqualification, confiscation order or imprisonment. The outcome depends on the offence, the facts, the offender’s circumstances and the sentencing guidelines.

Giving evidence and getting support

If you are a victim or witness, the Witness Care Unit should tell you when and where to attend. If you are worried about giving evidence, tell the police, Witness Care Unit, Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) or your witness support service as early as possible.

The court may be asked to provide special measures for eligible vulnerable or intimidated witnesses. These can include giving evidence by live link, screens, recorded evidence, help from an intermediary, or another arrangement. The judge decides whether to grant them.

You may be able to visit the court before the hearing to familiarise yourself with the building and courtroom. Find out more at GOV.UK: going to court as a victim or witness and CPS: special measures.

Attending court to support someone

Friends and family can usually attend a public hearing. Court staff can show you where to sit. Some hearings are private, and restrictions may apply to who can enter or what can be reported.

You can support someone by helping them arrive on time, keeping track of hearing notices and arranging practical help. Do not try to contact witnesses, jurors or the complainant about the case.

There is no general childcare service at court. If you have a caring responsibility, ask the court or your legal representative about practical arrangements as early as possible.

Going to court: practical checklist

See HMCTS: what to expect when coming to court and HMCTS: who’s who in the Crown Court.

Watching a hearing and reporting restrictions

Crown Court hearings are usually open to the public and the media. However, some hearings are private and reporting restrictions may apply. Court staff can tell you where to sit and whether any restriction applies.

You may normally take notes. Do not photograph, film or make an audio recording unless the court has authorised it. Do not post, stream or send live updates from the courtroom unless the judge has given permission.

Journalists can usually attend public hearings and report what happens, subject to reporting restrictions and court orders. Access to court documents is not automatic and may require an application to the court.

For more information, see HMCTS: attending or accessing court and tribunal hearings and Judiciary: reporting restrictions in criminal courts.

Appeals

A person convicted or sentenced in the magistrates’ court may appeal to the Crown Court.

A person convicted or sentenced in the Crown Court may be able to appeal to the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division). Different rules, time limits and permission requirements can apply. Get legal advice immediately if you are considering an appeal.

This is different from asking for a Crown Court sentence to be reviewed as unduly lenient. See GOV.UK: Crown Court.

Key points to remember

Official sources

This guide provides general information, not legal advice. If you are involved in a Crown Court case, seek advice from a qualified criminal solicitor or barrister about your own circumstances.