If you have given a statement to the police about a crime and are asked to give evidence at a criminal trial you will generally be required to attend court.

The majority of cases will take place in the magistrates’ courts, with a smaller percentage of the more serious cases being sent to the High Court.  You will be informed of which court to attend and when.

Your Arrival At Court

On arrival at court, and where circumstances permit, you can expect to meet with one of our prosecutors who will explain the court process and be prepared to answer questions about what will happen during the trial.

Giving Evidence

When you are called to give evidence you will be shown to the witness box where you will be asked to either affirm or take the oath on your religious book.  If you are a witness you will be asked questions by a representative of the DPP first followed by question from the defence in cross examination.

You may also be asked questions by a magistrate, the clerk or the judge.  In the Crown Court the jury can write down questions for the judge to read out.

Once you have given your evidence, the court will tell you that you may leave the witness box.  You may be told that you are released, this means that you can leave.  You may be asked to stay after you have given evidence if something new comes up.  You can stay and listen to the rest of the case if you want to.