How long does a Crown Court trial typically take?

The process from charge to verdict and sentence generally takes between 6 and 24 months. This timeline applies to defendants charged with serious offences that are tried before a judge and jury in the Crown Court.

What happens at the Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing?

During this hearing, the defendant is arraigned and formally indicted. The defendant then enters a plea to the charges. This stage follows the sending of the case from the magistrates' court.

What occurs during the trial phase?

A jury of 12 people is sworn in. The prosecution opens the case and calls witnesses, who are then cross-examined. After the prosecution case, the defence presents its case. The trial concludes with closing speeches and a summing-up by the judge.

What happens after the jury reaches a verdict?

If the defendant is found guilty, sentencing is usually adjourned to allow for a Pre-Sentence Report to be prepared. If convicted, the sentence may involve community orders, custody, fines, or discharge.

All Legal Journeys

Criminal Law

England & Wales

6 stages

6–24 months from charge

Reviewed 2026-05-22

Crown Court trial journey

Indictable-only and elected either-way offences — from sending hearing to verdict and sentence.

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

Who Uses This Journey

Defendants charged with serious offences tried before judge and jury.

Stage-by-Stage Timeline

Sending hearing

Magistrates send the case to the Crown Court under s.51 CDA 1998.

Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing (PTPH)

Defendant arraigned (indicted). Plea entered.

Disclosure

Prosecution gives initial disclosure; defence statement filed; further disclosure as required.

Pre-trial applications

Bad character, hearsay, special measures, mode-of-trial applications.

Trial

Jury of 12 sworn. Prosecution opens, calls witnesses (cross-examined), then defence case. Closing speeches and summing-up.

Verdict and sentence

Jury deliberates. If guilty, sentencing usually adjourned for a Pre-Sentence Report.

Possible Outcomes

Acquittal
Conviction → sentence (community / custody / fine / discharge)

Official Sources

Criminal Procedure Rules

Frequently asked questions

How long does a Crown Court trial typically take?: The process from charge to verdict and sentence generally takes between 6 and 24 months. This timeline applies to defendants charged with serious offences that are tried before a judge and jury in the Crown Court.
What happens at the Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing?: During this hearing, the defendant is arraigned and formally indicted. The defendant then enters a plea to the charges. This stage follows the sending of the case from the magistrates' court.
What occurs during the trial phase?: A jury of 12 people is sworn in. The prosecution opens the case and calls witnesses, who are then cross-examined. After the prosecution case, the defence presents its case. The trial concludes with closing speeches and a summing-up by the judge.
What happens after the jury reaches a verdict?: If the defendant is found guilty, sentencing is usually adjourned to allow for a Pre-Sentence Report to be prepared. If convicted, the sentence may involve community orders, custody, fines, or discharge.