CLP 3 - pre-trial Flashcards
Where are cases heard?
Summary only offences - Magistrates
Either-way offences - Magistrates or Crown Court
Indictable only offences - Crown Court
Where D is on bail, when must the first hearing be?
14 days of being charged - if prosecutor anticipates a guilty plea which is likely to be sentenced in a magistrate’s court
28 days of being charged - where it is anticipated that the defendant will plead not guilty, or the case is likely to go to the crown court for either trial or sentence.
Where are all cases first heard?
Magistrate’s court
What if the defendant is not present at the first hearing if under police bail?
Or
In Absentia - summonsed vs either-way/indictable
If bailed by the police - court can issue a warrant for his arrest. Failure to surrender to bail is an offence under the bail act 1976.
Court must decide whether it can continue absentia - not normally possible for indictable or either-way cases.
If summonsed to court - D does not commit an offence for non-appearance. Case can continue absentia.
1) When is the prosecution obliged to serve the initial details on the court officer?
2) When is the prosecution obliged to serve the initial details to the defendant following a request?
3) What is the remedy if they fail to do so?
1 & 2) as soon as practicable and no later than the beginning of the day of the first hearing.
3)normally adjourn a first hearing and/or award costs to the defence.
What is included in the ‘initial details of prosecution case’ where defendant was not in police custody immediately before the first hearing in the magistrate’s court?
- a summary of the circumstances of the offence,
- any account given by the defendant in interview,
- any written statements/exhibits that are available & material.
- victim impact statements
- defendant’s criminal record
How much detail should be included in the ‘initial details’?
- sufficient to allow the court to take an informed view on plea and venue for trial.
- where not guilty please is anticipated, should allow the court to identify the real issues and give directions including Preparation for Effective Trial (PET) form.
What does the first hearing deal with?
What about indictable only?
- plea
-bail
-representation and legal aid - If indictable only offence, magistrates will only deal with bail and representation before the case goes to the Crown Court for plea.
What is the exception to summary cases staying in the magistrate’s court?
If the summary offence is connected to an indictable offence and is:
- common assault
- Assaulting prison officer,
- TWOC
- Driving whilst disqualified
- Criminal damage under £5k
If not on the list and ‘not guilty’ plea - return to magistrate’s court after the CC trial is done.
If a case is an either-way case, who decides where it is held?
- Magistrate’s court can accept/decline jurisdiction
- Defendant can elect for Crown Court
Summary only
- What sentences are available if D enters a guilty plea?
Court will sentence
- fine
- 6 months in prison
Where there is a pre-trial hearing, for how long is the ruling binding?
until case is disposed of by:
- Conviction or acquittal of the defendant
- Prosecution decides not to proceed
- Dismissal of the case
Must a guilty plea be unequivicable?
Yes - no “guilty but I…”
What is the longest sentence a Magistrate’s court can give for an either-way offence?
12 months
Either-way
When can the defendant be committed to the crown court for sentencing?
- sentence exceeds its maximum
- sentence should be of a type the magistrate’s court cannot pass.
What classification is a murder or manslaughter offence?
Indictable only
What classification is a assault and battery offence?
Summary only