Which court hears serious Offence cases?

Crown courts
Crown courts hear the more serious offences, regardless of whether the defendant pleads guilty or not. Trials for indictable offences in a crown court are held in front of a jury, and are presided over by a judge.

Can a case be heard in the Crown Court?

Will my case be heard in the Magistrates or Crown Court? Some offences can only ever be heard in the Magistrates Court, such as, amongst others speeding, traffic signal offences, careless driving and drink driving. Other offences, such as dangerous driving, can be heard in the Magistrates Court or Crown Court.

Can a criminal case be heard in a Magistrates Court?

For adults, all criminal cases begin in magistrates’ courts but some offences can be tried only in the Crown Court, some only in magistrates’ courts and others in either court. The seriousness of the offence will dictate whether the case will remain in a magistrates’ court from start to finish, or will be referred up to the Crown Court.

How do you go to court for a motoring offence?

The Court Process Explained There are two ways in which you can be formally accused of a motoring offence, either by way of a summons or being charged by the police with an offence. When you are summonsed with an offence, you will be informed of the date your case is due to go before the Magistrates for the first time.

When do you have to go to court for a criminal offence?

You may have to go to court if you’ve been charged with a criminal offence, however, It’s up to the Magistrate to hear the evidence and decide if you guilty and what your penalty should be . All criminal cases start in the Magistrates Court. This court deals with summary offences and some less serious indictable offences.

What kind of cases can be heard in Magistrates Court?

There are 3 types: 1 Summary Offences (which can be heard only in the Magistrates’ Court); 2 Either-Way Offences (which can be heard either in the Magistrates’ Court or the Crown Court); 3 Indictable Only Offences