What documents should I bring to my Magistrates' Court hearing?

You should bring your court letter or summons, proof of identity such as a passport or driving licence, and any written legal advice from your solicitor. It is also helpful to bring character references addressed to the court, along with proof of mitigation like medical records or employment documents. If you are sentenced, bring money or a card for immediate fines, costs, or surcharges.

How should I dress and when should I arrive at court?

You should arrive at least 30 minutes before your listed time, as hearings rarely start exactly on time and being late creates a bad impression. Dress smartly and conservatively, such as in business or smart casual attire; jeans, hoodies, and trainers are inadvisable. Switch off your mobile phone before entering the courtroom and bring a notepad and pen to record what is said.

Who hears cases in the Magistrates' Court?

Magistrates' courts handle approximately 95% of all criminal proceedings in England and Wales. Hearings are typically conducted before three lay magistrates, also known as JPs, or a single District Judge (Magistrates' Court). Being well-prepared regarding documentation, appearance, and understanding the process significantly affects how your case is perceived by the court.

Do I need a solicitor for my hearing?

You should speak to your solicitor or the duty solicitor before the hearing. The duty solicitor is free at court, so you can ask court staff on arrival for assistance. Before entering the courtroom, ensure you know your plea (guilty or not guilty) and understand the range of sentences the court can impose for your specific charge.

What kind of character references are useful for my hearing?

Character references should come from credible figures such as employers, teachers, or faith leaders. These letters must be addressed specifically to the court and speak directly to your character and reputation. They are part of the documentation you should bring to support your case during the hearing.

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preparation

Criminal Law

Updated 2026-04-09

Preparation Checklist for a Magistrates' Court Hearing

What to bring, what to wear, and how to prepare for a hearing in the Magistrates' Court.

Overview

Magistrates' courts deal with the vast majority of criminal cases in England & Wales — approximately 95% of all criminal proceedings. Most hearings are before three lay magistrates (JPs) or a single District Judge (Magistrates' Court). Being well-prepared — in terms of documentation, appearance, and understanding of the process — significantly affects how your case is perceived. Never attend without speaking to a solicitor first if you are charged with an offence.

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What to Bring

Court letter or summons confirming the hearing date, time, and court address(Essential)

Proof of identity (passport or driving licence)(Essential)

Any written legal advice or instructions from your solicitor(Essential)

Character references from employers, teachers, faith leaders, or other credible figures

Letters should be addressed to the court and speak specifically to your character and reputation

Proof of any mitigation (medical records, evidence of personal difficulties, employment documents)

Practicalities

Arrive at court at least 30 minutes before your listed time(Essential)

Court hearings rarely start exactly on time but being late creates a very bad impression

Dress smartly and conservatively (business or smart casual)(Essential)

Court dress sends a message — jeans, hoodies, and trainers are inadvisable for any substantive hearing

Switch off your mobile phone before entering the courtroom(Essential)

Bring a notepad and pen to record what is said

Bring money or a card for any immediate fines, costs, or surcharges if you are sentenced

Key Points and Representation

Speak to your solicitor or the duty solicitor before the hearing(Essential)

The duty solicitor is free at court — ask court staff on arrival

Prepare the three or four key points you want to make (or your solicitor will make)

Know your plea (guilty/not guilty) before you enter the courtroom(Essential)

Understand the range of sentences the court can impose for your charge

Related Guides

Related Rights

Official Resources

Gov.uk — Going to a Magistrates' Court →Duty Solicitor Scheme →

Frequently asked questions

What documents should I bring to my Magistrates' Court hearing?: You should bring your court letter or summons, proof of identity such as a passport or driving licence, and any written legal advice from your solicitor. It is also helpful to bring character references addressed to the court, along with proof of mitigation like medical records or employment documents. If you are sentenced, bring money or a card for immediate fines, costs, or surcharges.
How should I dress and when should I arrive at court?: You should arrive at least 30 minutes before your listed time, as hearings rarely start exactly on time and being late creates a bad impression. Dress smartly and conservatively, such as in business or smart casual attire; jeans, hoodies, and trainers are inadvisable. Switch off your mobile phone before entering the courtroom and bring a notepad and pen to record what is said.
Who hears cases in the Magistrates' Court?: Magistrates' courts handle approximately 95% of all criminal proceedings in England and Wales. Hearings are typically conducted before three lay magistrates, also known as JPs, or a single District Judge (Magistrates' Court). Being well-prepared regarding documentation, appearance, and understanding the process significantly affects how your case is perceived by the court.
Do I need a solicitor for my hearing?: You should speak to your solicitor or the duty solicitor before the hearing. The duty solicitor is free at court, so you can ask court staff on arrival for assistance. Before entering the courtroom, ensure you know your plea (guilty or not guilty) and understand the range of sentences the court can impose for your specific charge.
What kind of character references are useful for my hearing?: Character references should come from credible figures such as employers, teachers, or faith leaders. These letters must be addressed specifically to the court and speak directly to your character and reputation. They are part of the documentation you should bring to support your case during the hearing.