Magistrates Court
All criminal prosecutions start in the Magistrates Court. Some offences can only be dealt with in the Magistrates Court (summary offences), some can be dealt with in either the Magistrates Court or the Crown Court (either way offences) and the more serious cases can only be dealt with in the Crown Court (indictable offences).
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The Magistrates Court typically deals with cases such as common assault, possession of drugs (Class A and Class B), criminal damage, theft (shoplifting), public order offences, possession of weapons (bladed articles and offensive weapons), road traffic offences, breaches of orders and other applications including but not limited to domestic violence protection orders (DVPO), criminal behaviour orders and football banning orders.
The Magistrates Court also deal with prosecutions by the RSPCA, Local Authorities, Health and Safety Executive, Environment Agency and the Department of Work and Pensions.
Your case will be presided over by Lay Magistrates or a District Judge. The Magistrates Court has the power to send you to prison for up to 12 months.
Why have Shah Hague Solicitors in the Magistrates Court?
Shah Hague Solicitors is a specialist in Magistrates Court representation.
We have over 30 years experience representing clients in the Magistrates Court. The Magistrates Court is very busy, fast paced and sometimes chaotic.
Appearing in court and speaking in public can be a daunting experience. Our specialist team of advocates will liaise with the numerous agencies in the Magistrates Court, so you don’t have to. This includes but is not limited to the Magistrates / District Judge, legal advisors, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), and the Probation Service.
95% of criminal cases conclude in the Magistrates Court. It is imperative you have specialist legal representation. At Shah Hague Solicitors, client care is at the forefront of everything we do. We will engage with the prosecution on your behalf and obtain the evidence before your hearing (if it is available). After careful analysis of the evidence, we will discuss the strengths and weakness of your case and advise you appropriately. In some cases, we may make representations before you appear in court to bring matters to an end. We will always meet with you in good time before your first hearing.
Our primary objective is to obtain the best possible outcome for you. We have an outstanding team of experienced and tenacious advocates.
We distinguish ourselves from other law firms by providing continuous partner involvement in all cases.
Funding – Legal Aid or Private?
You may be eligible for legal aid. To apply for legal aid, we will need information about the allegation you face, your personal and financial circumstances.
In cases where legal aid is not available, we offer a bespoke private client service. The benefit of instructing Shah Hague Solicitors on a private basis affords you greater choice. This includes but is not limited to, choice of advocate (including barristers), experts, appointments out of our normal office hours and at a location of your choice.
If you would like to discuss the services we provide and funding options, please give our specialist team a call.