Crown Court

Tries serious criminal offences before a judge and jury, and hears appeals from the Magistrates' Court.

This page mainly applies to England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland may have different rules — check the jurisdiction before relying on this information.

Overview

The Crown Court is the senior criminal court of first instance in England and Wales. It tries indictable-only offences (murder, rape, robbery, etc.) and either-way offences allocated for trial on indictment. Trials are conducted before a Circuit Judge or Recorder and a jury of twelve. The Crown Court also hears appeals from the Magistrates' Court — these are full rehearings, not reviews. The court sentences defendants committed for sentence by the Magistrates' Court.

What it handles

Indictable-only offences (murder, rape, robbery, causing serious injury, drug trafficking)
Either-way offences allocated for jury trial
Appeals from Magistrates' Court convictions and sentences
Sentencing in cases sent up for sentence by the Magistrates' Court
Confiscation proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002

Forms

Notice of grounds of appeal (to the Court of Appeal Criminal Division)

Fees

Criminal cases: No fee for defendantsCosts orders may follow conviction.

Deadlines

Conviction or sentence at Crown Court → 28 days to lodge notice of appeal at Court of Appeal

Appeals

Court of Appeal (Criminal Division).

Representation

Legal aid widely available subject to means and merits tests. Solicitor + barrister standard.

Official sources

https://www.gov.uk/courts-tribunals/crown-court

Related guides

Crown Court Trial Process

Last reviewed: 2026-05-21. This is legal information, not legal advice.