Going to court as a defendant in England and Wales
Being told to attend court is stressful. This guide explains the general picture. It is not legal advice, and your own paperwork and solicitor always take priority over anything here.
Check where and when you must attend
Your court paperwork (for example a summons, charge sheet or bail notice) tells you which court to attend, the date, and the time. If anything is unclear, contact the court named on your paperwork or your solicitor straight away. Do not guess.
Get legal advice early
You can usually ask for advice from a solicitor before your hearing. Free advice at the police station or court may be available through the duty solicitor, and legal aid may help with the cost of representation depending on your case and means. See the GOV.UK legal aid pages for the current rules.
Plan your journey
Arrive early. Courts have security checks similar to an airport, and queues can be long at busy times. Use our hearing day planner to work out when to leave and to create a calendar reminder.
What to bring
- Your court paperwork and photo identification
- Anything your solicitor has asked you to bring
- A phone charger and something to read, as hearings often start later than the listed time
If you cannot attend or will be late
Contact the court and your solicitor as early as possible. Failing to attend without a good reason can lead to a warrant being issued. Never simply stay away.
Will my name be on the list?
Public hearing lists are published by HMCTS. This website does not show or store defendant names. See why isn’t my case listed?.