If you have never been to court
before you might not know what to expect. This part of the
website will help you familiarise yourself with court
procedures and the role of victims and witnesses.
When a crime is reported,
Suffolk Constabulary appoints an officer to investigate the
matter. As part of that investigation, statements will be
taken and once evidence is available people may be arrested
and interviewed. If there is sufficient evidence the Defendant
will be charged with an offence and attend Court.
Once someone has been charged you
will be contacted by a member of staff at one
of the Witness Care Units (not guilty cases) or Witness
Support Teams (guilty cases) who will keep you updated
with proceedings.
Click here
to find out about the difference between Witness Care Units
and Witness Support Teams.
All cases, no matter how serious,
start in the Magistrates Court. From there, certain
categories of serious crime (known as Indicatable offences)
are automatically sent to the Crown Court to be dealt
with.
There are also offences that can only be dealt with in the
Magistrates Court (known as Summary offences) and offences which
depending on their level of seriousness can be dealt with either in
the Magistrates Court or sent to the Crown Court (known as Either
Way offences). The vast majority of cases are dealt with in the
Magistrates Court.
Please note that all visitors to both the
Magistrates' Courts and Crown Court are subject to the same
security checks, and this includes both victims and witnesses of
crime. These are simply routine checks to ensure the safety of all
in the Court building.
Click here for a brief guide as to how a case would progress
through the Magistrates Court from the perspective of you as a
witness.
If the Defendant is charged with a serious offence then the
trial will take place at the Crown Court.
Click here for a brief guide as to how a case would progress
through the Crown Court from the perspective of you as a
witness.
Here are some frequently asked
questions about the court process that you may find useful.
Useful booklets and guidance:
Click here to print off your guide to the court process, from a
witness' perspective. This includes information
on:
- Where you can find help about giving evidence
- Where you will give evidence; the formation of all
courts
- Who is in the courtroom
- What happens before and during court, including special
measures
- Support available during the trial
Click here to find out more about what is involved in giving a
statement, how it forms part of the prosecution case and what your
future involvement in the case may
be.
You may also find the
Witness Service Going to Court leaflet , produced by Victim
Support useful. This provides details on what the Witness Service
can offer those who are attending
court.