Magistrates' Court
Representation in summary and either-way matters.
The Magistrates Court deals with the vast majority of criminal cases in England and Wales, including all summary offences and many either-way offences. Although Magistrates Courts handle less serious matters than the Crown Court, the consequences of a conviction — including a criminal record, fines, community orders and in some cases imprisonment — can be severe and long-lasting. BW Solicitors provides expert private representation at Magistrates Courts throughout Ilford, East London and London.
Types of Cases in the Magistrates Court
The Magistrates Court deals with three categories of offence. Summary-only offences — such as most motoring offences, minor assault and criminal damage under £5,000 — can only be tried in the Magistrates Court. Either-way offences — such as theft, some assaults and drug possession with intent — can be tried in either the Magistrates Court or the Crown Court; the defendant has the right to elect Crown Court trial. Indictable-only offences — such as murder, rape and robbery — must be sent to the Crown Court, but will first appear in the Magistrates Court.
- Summary-only offences: minor assault, criminal damage, most motoring offences
- Either-way offences: theft, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, drugs offences
- First hearings for indictable-only offences before transfer to the Crown Court
- Bail applications and applications to vary bail conditions
- Guilty pleas and sentence hearings
- Contested trials before magistrates or a District Judge
How We Prepare Your Magistrates Court Case
Whether you intend to plead guilty or contest the charge, thorough preparation is essential. Our solicitors will obtain and review all the prosecution evidence, advise you on the strength of the case against you, discuss your options clearly and honestly, and prepare the strongest possible case on your behalf. If you are pleading guilty, we will prepare detailed mitigation to present to the court. If you are contesting the charge, we will prepare your defence with the rigour it requires.
- Obtaining and reviewing all prosecution disclosure
- Advising on plea — guilty or not guilty
- Preparation of defence statements and witness evidence
- Conducting the contested trial
- Detailed sentencing mitigation
- Applications for adjournments where necessary
- Appealing Magistrates Court convictions to the Crown Court
Why Choose BW Solicitors?
Our criminal defence solicitors have extensive experience representing clients at Magistrates Courts throughout East London and London. We approach every case — however serious or apparently straightforward — with the same thoroughness and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. We are based in Ilford and represent clients across the region.