Is a magistrates court serious?

Is a magistrates court serious?

Magistrates deal with three kinds of cases: Summary offences. Magistrates can also decide that a case is so serious that it should be dealt with in the Crown Court – which can impose tougher sentences if the defendant is found guilty. Indictable-only offences, such as murder, manslaughter, rape and robbery.

What is maximum magistrates court sentence?

In the Magistrates’ Court, the maximum sentence that can be imposed on an adult defendant for a single either-way offence is 6 months’ imprisonment and/or a fine. A defendant facing 2 or more either-way offences can be sentenced to a maximum of 12 months’ imprisonment and/or a fine. You can read more here about fines.

What happens at a magistrates court hearing UK?

The prosecutor will say why you have been charged with the offence. Witnesses might be asked questions about what happened. You will also have a chance to give evidence and to have your say about what happened. The magistrates or District Judge will listen to both sides.

Do I need a solicitor at a magistrates court?

Legal Representation. You should attend the Magistrates’ Court in good time for your hearing. It is best to have a solicitor represent you if possible. For instance, if you are likely to go to prison if found guilty, you will get legal aid.

Do magistrates send people to jail?

Depending on the offence, the judge or magistrate will have a range of sentence types they can give an offender according to the seriousness of the offence and other factors such as the offender’s previous criminal record. Sentence types include prison, community sentences, fines and discharges.

What sentence can magistrates give?

Sentencing in magistrates’ courts Magistrates have sentencing powers that allow them to impose a range of sentences, including unlimited fines, bans, community orders and up to six months’ custody for a single offence and 12 months in total.