Magistrates' Court Defence Solicitors

Our Magistrates' Court Solicitors offer specialist legal advice and representation to anyone summoned to appear in court.

Appearing in the Magistrates' Court can be a daunting and complicated process, particularly if you are attending for the first time and it can be difficult to know where to turn. We can help you from the moment you receive a court summons or are charged with a criminal offence and throughout any subsequent criminal case. If your case goes to court, it is important that you seek legal representation from the very start to ensure you understand your rights and receive the best advice from the outset.

Representation from Draycott Browne's General Crime Solicitors will ensure you are properly guided throughout the court process. Our solicitors will ensure you are informed on the seriousness of your case and the strength of the prosecution's case against you, enabling you to make an informed decision on your plea. If you decide to plead guilty, you will be sentenced accordingly. If you decide to plead not guilty, your case will go to trial.

Using our wealth of experience helping clients in the magistrates’ court, our solicitors will provide you with expert legal representation you can count on. If you or a loved one needs representation at the magistrates’ court, call us today or complete our contact form.

How our magistrates court representation solicitors can help

We are here to support and advise you throughout the legal process, liaising with the court and prosecution and representing you at any resulting trial.

We will be able to provide guidance on the strength of the case against you, the evidence of the prosecution and will advise you on your rights and options before you submit a plea.

Where appropriate we will also advise on whether you should opt to be tried at a Magistrates Court without a jury, or at a Crown Court with one.

We will draw on our substantial expertise, experience and technical knowledge to ensure you receive the best representation possible.

Will my case go to the magistrates' court?

If your case goes to court, it will begin in the magistrates' court. This court deals with ‘summary offences’, for example:

• Motoring offences
• Minor criminal damage
• Drunk and disorderly behaviour
• Burglary
• Theft and Dishonesty
• Assault
• Drug offences

‘Indictable offences’ are crimes of an extremely serious nature, such as manslaughter, murder, rape and robbery. If as an adult, your case falls into this category, it will go to crown court, where a judge and jury will preside over proceedings.

What will my sentence be?

The magistrates' court is authorised to give sentences up to a certain limit. These sentences include:

• up to six months in prison (or 12 months, in certain circumstances, if you are sentenced for more than one crime)
• a fine of up to £5,000
• community service

These sentences are not exclusive to each other. It is commonplace to be prosecuted with a combination of the punishments listed above.

If the magistrates' court wishes to give a greater sentence, your case may be sent to Crown Court.

Legal aid

If you cannot afford to pay for legal services, you may be eligible for legal aid. In order to gain legal aid, you must first pass two tests. The ‘interests of justice’ test considers how serious your case is and whether you need legal representation. The ‘means’ test takes into account how much money you earn and any benefits you receive.

Our solicitors can help you apply for legal aid. If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch.