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Going to court: what to expect

continued from page 2
Preparing for court

Do I need to do anything before going to court?
The person who asked you to come to court should send you information about how to get to the court and the facilities available there. Crown Court centres also have a Customer Service Officer. You can find the number of the court in your local phone book under Crown Court.

If you are a witness, you should tell the person who asked you to come to court (the police Witness Liaison Officer if you are a prosecution witness or the defendant's solicitor if you are a defence witness) if you need an interpreter, if you have a disability or special need or if you would like to visit the court before the trial starts. You can also arrange the latter with the Customer Service Officer or the Witness Service at the Crown Court.

What should I do if I am harassed before, during or after trial?
It is a criminal offence to intimidate a witness, juror or anyone helping the police in an investigation. If you are harassed or threatened in any way before, during or after the trial, you should tell the police or the representative of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) or other prosecuting authority at court. If you are a defence witness, you should tell the defendant's solicitors. If you are not sure who to tell at court, tell the court usher.

What do I need to take with me to court?
You should take the letter asking you to go to court, if you have received one, and any other information you have been given. If told to do so, you should take along any exhibits you still have (stolen jewellery, for example, that has been returned to you). You may also want to take something to read, as you may have to wait before giving evidence.

If you like, you can also take a friend or relative to keep you company and you may be able to reserve a seat in court for them. However, they will not be able to get expenses unless the court agrees they need to be there (to look after your child while you are giving evidence, for example.)

What do I do when I arrive at court?
All cases are listed under the defendant's name. Give the receptionist or usher the name of the defendant and show the letter asking you to come to court (if you received one). He or she will tell you where to wait. If you are not already in contact with the Witness Service, you can contact them when you get to the Crown Court.

Feel free to ask the usher, Customer Service Officer or the Witness Service if you would like to have a look around the courtroom before the case starts (usually first thing in the morning or at lunchtime) and tell them if you are worried about meeting the defendant and his or her friends and relatives. There may be a separate room where you can wait before and during the trial.



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