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Charged with a crime

What to expect if you are charged with a criminal offence and have to attend court, including a step-by-step guide to the court process.

When you can be charged in court

If you are arrested by the police or other law enforcement agencies, you will be brought before the court within 48 hours of your arrest. The court will decide whether you should be detained further or placed on bail.

You will be asked to attend at the Criminal Mentions Court when the prosecution is ready to file charges against you. This usually takes place after the police or enforcement agency have completed their investigations.

Checklist before going to court

Before attending court, you may wish to:

Criminal court process step-by-step

First court appearance

Attend Criminal Mentions Court

Attending at the Criminal Mentions Court is the first stage of the criminal court process. You will be formally charged and will have to choose whether to either plead guilty to the charges or claim trial. In some cases, the judge may order you to be placed in remand.

Represent yourself in a Criminal Mentions Court

After taking the plea

If you plead guilty

Pleading guilty means you admit fully to the charges against you. If you choose to plead guilty, you may be convicted and sentenced on the spot at the Criminal Mentions Court, or the judge may transfer your case to another criminal court for a plead guilty (PG) mention.