Attending
Court
The
courts
There
are two types of Court where criminal offences are concerned, the
Magistrates’ Court and the Crown Court. A trial will take place in the Crown
court, not every Crown Court is equipped to try a case of murder. The very
first hearing after a man is arrested, regardless of crime is heard in a
Magistrates’ Court.
There
are a number of Magistrates' Court Appearances for the Defendant prior to the
Trial at the Crown Court.
Magistrates
Court.
On
the first occasion the Defendant is presented before the Magistrate. The
charge is read out, the
terms of BAlL are set or the Prisoner is “REMANDED ON BAlL” Where a
serious offence
is involved, it is more usual for the Defendant to be REMANDED IN PRISON.
The
subsequent appearances at this Court are to ensure that the Bail conditions
are being maintained OR the Prisoner is 'shown' to the Magistrate and Public.
Traditionally this is to show that the Prisoner is still alive and well while
in prison!
The
last time the accused appears in the Magistrates’ Court is when he is COMMITTED
FOR TRIAL; this is called the Committal hearing. This hearing happens
when The Crown Prosecution have completed their investigations and are ready
to present their case. The case now takes its place on the ‘LlSTS’ for the
Trial at Crown
Court.
Sample
Check list:
Items to take each day.
Ø
Defendant's clothes.
Ø
Full tank of petrol.
Ø
Money for car-park, fares, food,
drinks.
Ø
Tissues.
Ø
Note-book and pens (get a Friend
to write as much down as possible in Court).
Ø
MEDICATION.
Ø
Writing paper and envelopes for
sending notes to the Barrister, you may be prompted into remembering a vital
bit of evidence. It is too late after the trial!
Ø
Some Solicitors are able to find
money for a Family to attend the Court and also to go towards the Defendant's
clothes. It is well worth the Family asking.
Ø
Plan what clothes to wear
clothes.
Ø
Travelling could be far and in
all weathers. Are shoes comfortable for such a long day? Is you hair easy to
do and keep tidy? Do you have a suitable bag for what you need to take?
Ø
Clothes may have to be taken to
Court, for the Defendant. daily. Find out which clothes the Defendant
wants/needs? Are they ready? Where and when do they need to be handed in?
Ø
Consider asking the Family
Doctor for a sick-note. Most people find that it is impossible for them to
continue working while their loved one is on Trial.
Ø
You are not Super-man. Take care
of yourself.
Ø
FINANCIAL PLANNING early on can
really help avoid serious problems. Having a Family Member in prison is
expensive but having to take time off work for what may be long trial can be
financially crippling. We all do it! Nothing must stand in the way of
supporting the precious, loved one who has place themselves at such hazard.
Ø
PLAN,
PLAN, PLAN.
AFFECT Attending Court
£1.99 ISBN - 0-9543824-1-2
Please
send all orders to
AFFECT at
PO
Box 345
Portsmouth
HANTS
PO4 0WF
Tel
01243 583264
E-Mail
affect01@hotmail.com
[affectZEROONE@hotmail.com]
Please
make cheques payable to AFFECT.
