All criminal cases start in a magistrates' court.

Cases are heard by either:

• 3 magistrates
• a district judge

There isn't a jury in a magistrates’ court.

Cases a magistrates’ court deals with

A magistrates’ court normally handles cases known as 'summary offences', eg:

• most motoring offences
• minor criminal damage
• being drunk and disorderly

It can also deal with some of the more serious offences, eg:

• burglary
• drugs offences

These are called ‘either way’ offences and can be heard either in a magistrates’ court or a Crown Court.

Cases that magistrates pass to the Crown Court

Magistrates’ courts always pass the most serious crimes to the Crown Court, eg:

• murder
• rape
• robbery

These are known as ‘indictable offences’.

Being kept in custody or granted bail

In some cases, the magistrates court decides if you should be:

• kept in custody - eg a police or court cell
• granted ‘bail’, and let out on strict conditions - eg to keep away from named places or people

This may happen if:

• another court hearing is needed
• the court needs more information before passing sentence
• your case is passed to the Crown Court for trial or sentencing

Sentences a magistrates’ court can give

The court can give punishments including:

• up to 6 months in prison (or up to 12 months in total for more than one offence)
• a fine of up to £5,000
• a community sentence, like doing unpaid work in the community

Courts can also give a combination of punishments - eg a fine and unpaid work in the community.

If the court decides your sentence should be for longer than 6 months, it can pass your case to the Crown Court for sentencing.

Appealing a sentence or conviction

If you disagree with the magistrate court’s verdict, you may be able to appeal.

Types of cases the Crown Court deals with

A Crown Court deals with serious criminal cases, eg:

• murder
• rape
• robbery

It also deals with:

• appeals against a magistrates’ court conviction or sentence
• cases passed from a magistrates’ court for trial or sentencing

Who does what in the court

A Crown Court:

• normally has a jury - which decides if you’re guilty or not
• has a judge - who decides what sentence you get

Your solicitor (if you have one) can explain what happens in court - the judge and court staff will also give instructions about the trial.

Sentences a Crown Court can give

A Crown Court can give a range of sentences including:

• community sentences
• prison sentences - including life sentences

Appealing a sentence or conviction

If you disagree with the Crown Court’s verdict, you may be able to appeal.

A youth court is a special type of magistrates’ court for people aged between 10 and 18.

A youth court has either:

• 3 magistrates
• a district judge

There isn't a jury in a youth court.

You must have a parent or guardian with you if you go to a youth court.

How youth courts are different from adult courts

Youth courts are less formal than adult courts, eg:

• members of the public are not allowed in to the court (unless they get permission)
• you are called by your first name

Types of cases a youth court deals with

A youth court deals with cases like:

• theft and burglary
• anti-social behaviour
• drugs offences

For serious crimes, like murder or rape, the case starts in the youth court but will be passed to a Crown Court.

Sentences a youth court can give

The court can give a range of sentences including:

• community sentences
• Detention and Training Orders carried out in secure centres for young people

Appealing a sentence

If you disagree with the court’s verdict, you may be able to appeal. Court staff can give you information on how to appeal.