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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.
Who Uses This Journey
Defendants charged with serious offences tried before judge and jury.
Stage-by-Stage Timeline
1
1
Sending hearing
Magistrates send the case to the Crown Court under s.51 CDA 1998.
2
2
Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing (PTPH)
Defendant arraigned (indicted). Plea entered.
3
3
Disclosure
Prosecution gives initial disclosure; defence statement filed; further disclosure as required.
4
4
Pre-trial applications
Bad character, hearsay, special measures, mode-of-trial applications.
5
5
Trial
Jury of 12 sworn. Prosecution opens, calls witnesses (cross-examined), then defence case. Closing speeches and summing-up.
6
6
Verdict and sentence
Jury deliberates. If guilty, sentencing usually adjourned for a Pre-Sentence Report.
Possible Outcomes
- Acquittal
- Conviction → sentence (community / custody / fine / discharge)