Pre-trial Visit to Court
Going to court can be a stressful and unfamiliar experience. Victim Support NI can arrange for you to visit the court beforehand, in order to familiarise yourself with the court and how it works.
During a pre-trial familiarisation visit, you will be met by one of our Witness Service staff or volunteers, who will show you around the courtroom, explain where key parties might be sitting, and explain the process of what might happen on the day of the trial.
If you have been granted special measures, we will explain how these may work in practice, and where appropriate, can show you the video link room.
Pre-trial visits are also useful to estimate your journey time to the court, find suitable parking or public transport routes, and familiarise yourself with the surrounding area.
For more information, you can watch our video about pre-trial visits at Laganside Courts in Belfast, but please do bear in mind that courtrooms vary around the country and it is best to speak to your local Witness Service to arrange a pre-trial visit at the court you are due to attend.
You can contact your local Witness Service at the numbers below:
- Antrim – 028 9448 8631
- Belfast – 028 9023 2523
- Craigavon – 028 3834 3553
- Downpatrick – 028 4461 6233
- Dungannon – 028 8775 1550
- Foyle – 028 7127 9440
