Magistrates Court

[cryinglaughing]

My dd is due in court after a road rage incident in which the man was old enough to know better 🙄

My question is, she has been told to be at court for 10am. Does that mean his case will start at that time, or is everyone asked to be there for 10am and they work their way through the days cases?

I have a dental appointment on the same day at 4pm, wondering whether I need to change it.

It doesn’t mean it will be on at 10am. Cases are usually listed morning or afternoon and then they take the cases that are ready. They are listed in an order so in theory they will broadly follow it but people are often late, defence solicitors will be acting for several clients and so they tend to go with whoever is ready.

if you are not represented by a solicitor my tip would be to get there ahead of time and if you’re ready to proceed make sure you book in with the usher telling them that you’re ready.

They will usually deal with all morning listed cases before lunch but it depends on the numbers and any issues encountered along the way.

Also if you have people in custody they may get dealt with first so you get to wait around a bit

I have had to go a lot recently (not the wrongdoer) It may be area dependent. Here it's big courts processing very large numbers daily. You turn up at ten and usually have a several hour cooling off period, people watching, unless you're very lucky.

The lists have little bearing, neither does arrival time, but the usher can be helpful if minded.
You'd be unlucky to be leaving at 3.30 but the stragglers will be, and may well have been there since 9.45. Last time turned up at 9.45, hopeful as third on the list, second to last case to be heard.

BTW security measures in big magistrates courts can be through the roof. Alongside more obvious things, safety pins, tweezers, needles, refresher spays, even the tiniest glass scent or lip balm bottles, and mobiles with cracked screens all on not allowed lists. Expect to have to open and take a mouthful of all drinks.

Thank you all.
It's going to be a stressful day 😬
She has ASD, so we have that as an added complication.
There was talk of her giving evidence behind a screen, I can only hope that isn't overlooked.

If she is giving evidence, is this a trial? Either way I would move your dentist appointment

Just a note on the screen - when you arrive, tell the court staff that special measures have been agreed and the screen will be needed. I have had to insist on several occasions.

Having been to Court twice (as a witness both times), my advice is get there early and cancel any appointments for the rest of the day.

You will have a long wait.

Agree with what others have said about it not necessarily being at 10, BUT if it is a trial with live witnesses then it is likely to be the priority case for the court it is listed in, so you’ve got a better chance of it being close to 10 compared to other cases. Re. special measures, yes speak to the usher about the screen - there shouldn’t be a problem with that if it’s been agreed but they will need to physically get it out. You may have witness support there on the day who will look after you a bit too. If there’s anything else that would help your daughter bearing in mind the ASD then don’t be afraid to ask - magistrates have what’s called an equal treatment bench book which is all about ensuring fairness and making accommodations where necessary. Again the usher (person in a black gown) is your starting point. Good luck.