Magistrates’ Court

Every criminal case, no matter how complex or serious, starts in the Magistrates’ Court.  Magistrates are not legally qualified, but are volunteers from the local community.  There are three Magistrates who sit with a Legal Adviser, who is a qualified lawyer and ensures no errors of law are made.  Serious or complex cases may be sent or committed to the Crown Court if the Magistrates feel this to be necessary.  Qualified lawyers do also sit as District Judges or Deputy District Judges in Magistrates’ Court and such individuals sit alone.

Since October 2006, Magistrates’ Court Legal Aid has been means-tested.  This means that to qualify for Legal Aid in the Magistrates’ Court, you must earn less than the financial limits set by the Legal Services Commission.  If you qualify for Legal Aid under the means-test, you must then satisfy the Court that it is in the interests of justice for you to be legally represented.

For more information regarding Legal Aid and the above processes, please contact a member of this firm who will be happy to provide advice and assistance relating to such.