Going to court

Plan to keep the whole day free. Your case may not be heard straight away, so you may have to wait a few hours before your case is heard.

There is no childcare at the Magistrates’ Court, so if you have children try to make arrangements for someone to look after them. If you are attending court by phone or video conference, please ensure that there are no children in the room with you when you are in court and/or speaking to a duty lawyer.

Plan how you are getting to court. Parking near courts can be expensive. It might be better to use public transport or get someone to drop you off.

Try to arrive at least 30 minutes before your court time.

To keep the court safe, everyone goes through a security screening. This is to stop dangerous items being brought into court.

Straight after the security screening, go to the court counter – called the registry – and tell the staff at the registry you have arrived.

The registry staff can provide you with information including:

• • finding your way to the right courtroom
  • directing you to other court services including the duty lawyer.

If you feel unsafe at court speak to a security guard or the registry.