Can magistrate court sentence you?

Can magistrate court sentence you?

If the case is to be dealt within a magistrates’ court, the defendant(s) are asked to enter a plea. If they plead guilty or are later found to be guilty, the magistrates can impose a sentence, generally of up to six months’ imprisonment for a single offence (12 months in total), or a fine of an unlimited amount.

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.

What happens when I go to magistrates court?

At the Magistrates’ Court, your trial will be heard either by a District Judge or by a bench of lay Magistrates. A legal advisor sits in front of the Magistrates and their job is to advise them on issues of law and also to take notes of the evidence.

What is the advantage of having three magistrates in a court?

A wider range of people deal with cases, this would not be possible if magistrates had to be qualified. Magistrates often have local knowledge of the area they are working in. There are very few appeals about decisions made by magistrates. It saves money.

When do I have to go to Magistrates Court?

You will attend a Magistrates Court if have received a summons or a charge sheet, which tells you what you are accused of, as well as the time and date you must turn up to court on. What should I do before coming to court? When you arrive at the courthouse you will have to pass through security.

What’s the difference between a magistrate and a judge?

The main difference between the two is that the Magistrates Court does not have a Jury. Magistrates Court hearings are dealt with by either a single judge or two or three lay Magistrates. 6. What’s the difference between a Judge and a Magistrate?

Do you get bail if you go to Magistrates Court?

Most defendants if appearing before the Magistrates Court for minor offences who have attended court as requested by the summons or charge and have no or few previous convictions will be granted bail. This is a specialist area of law and dependent on each case, we will advise you in relation to your particular case.

Can a minor case be heard in a Magistrates Court?

Magistrates Courts deal with most minor offences. As a general rule only the more serious offences are heard in the Crown Court (although there can be exceptions to this and we can always advise further in relation to this if need be). 3. What is a ‘Summary Only’ Offence?