LEGAL EAGLE: Do I still have to attend court in the middle of a global pandemic?​​​​​​​

I have received a letter telling me I need to go to court in relation to an allegation of a crime which I am going to deny. I have heard all the courts are closed due to COVID-19. What should I do?
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Sep 2020, 00:00 BST
Newcastle Crown Court. Newcastle Crown Court.
Newcastle Crown Court.

If you have received a letter advising that you need to go to court, you must attend. Courts are not closed in the North East, they are just running a little differently.

The procedure for attending your hearing will differ depending on the court your hearing is due to take place at. If you have received a letter advising you to attend a hearing at a Magistrates Court, you will be given a date and time to attend. On the day of your hearing you will need to attend at the time specified on the letter. You will not be allowed into the court building until this time. If you attend late, you are likely to be treated as though you failed to attend.

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If you have been asked to attend the Crown Court, you will be given a date for your hearing.

The court will not allocate a time until the afternoon before your case is due to be heard.

Your solicitor will then be able to advise you what time to attend court, when the court confirms this. If you attend early or late, you will not be allowed into the building.

If you have received a letter instructing you to attend court, it is very important that you do attend. Failure to attend a court hearing can lead to a warrant being issued for you to be arrested.

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You could be remanded into custody for the remainder of the proceedings against you. The court also has the discretion to hear the case against you in your absence, including convicting and sentencing you in your absence.

If you are on bail to attend court and you do not attend, you could be committing a further criminal offence of Absconding, which can attract a prison sentence.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms you should follow the government guidance and ensure that you contact the court to have your hearing adjourned. The situation is changing constantly and is different for different areas of law. If you have any doubts about what to do, you should contact the court, your solicitor if you are represented or our experienced criminal defence team on 0191 565 3112 or at [email protected] if you wish to arrange for representation.

Related topics:CourtsCovid-19North East