Every criminal case in England and Wales begins in the magistrates court, and most are dealt with there from start to finish. Michael Culshaw & Co represent clients at magistrates court hearings in Grimsby and across the region.
What happens at the magistrates court
Cases are heard by a district judge or by a bench of magistrates. At the first hearing you confirm your details and are asked to indicate a plea. Depending on the type of offence, the case either stays in the magistrates court or is sent to the Crown Court.
Types of offence
- Summary offences, such as most motoring offences, can only be dealt with in the magistrates court.
- Either way offences, such as theft, can be heard in the magistrates court or the Crown Court.
- Indictable only offences, the most serious charges, are sent straight to the Crown Court.
Grimsby Magistrates' Court
Magistrates court cases in Grimsby are heard at Grimsby Magistrates' Court and Family Court, Victoria Street, Grimsby DN31 1NH. The building has security checks on the way in, so it is worth arriving early, and on-site parking is not open to the public, with pay and display car parks nearby.
Representation at your hearing
Before the hearing we review the evidence and take your instructions. In court we can apply for bail, present your case at trial, or put forward mitigation if you plead guilty, so that the court has the full picture before it decides on a sentence.
Common questions
Do I have to attend court?
If you have been summonsed or bailed to attend, you must attend unless the court has excused you. If you do not attend without good reason, the court can issue a warrant for your arrest or deal with the case in your absence.
What is mitigation?
Mitigation is information put before the court about the background to an offence and your personal circumstances, so that it can be taken into account when the sentence is decided.
How long does a magistrates court case take?
Many guilty pleas are dealt with at the first hearing. If you plead not guilty, the trial is listed for a later date, which depends on the court's timetable.
We are ready to help you, call now
01472 404303Telegraph House
Cleethorpe Road
Grimsby
North East Lincolnshire
DN31 3EF CALL US NOW 01472 404303