Attending Court
You may be anxious about attending court and unsure of what to expect. In some cases, the defendant will plead guilty and you will not have to go to court or give evidence. In others, the defence will agree your evidence and your statement will be read out in court without you having to give evidence.
However, if the defendant pleads not guilty, or pleads guilty but denies an important part of the offence which could make a difference to the sentence they may receive, the court will need to hear evidence from witnesses, which could include you.
If the case is heard in the Magistrates’ Court, a District judge will listen to the evidence and decide if the defendant is guilty. They are also responsible for deciding the sentence.
More serious offences will be sent to a Crown Court. In the Crown Court, a jury of men and women, up to 12 members of the public, will decide if the defendant is guilty, but a judge will decide the sentence.
For further information on the court system in Northern Ireland, you can contact the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service.
The Victim Witness Care Unit (VWCU) will ask for your availability to attend court to give evidence. This information will be given to the court when a date is being set for trial. While efforts will be made to accommodate you, the judge sets the trial date, so please be aware that you may be required to attend on a date that isn’t overly suitable.
Your employer should normally give you time off work to attend court. If they do not, please let the VWCU know as soon as possible. They can then issue you with a summons, which means you are legally required to attend. If you are ill and unable to attend on the date you have been asked, you should contact the VWCU as soon as possible, and should obtain a medical certificate from your GP.
The VWCU will send you information about going to court and the court process so that you know what to expect. They will tell you about the court venue, location and transport links, support available at court and the facilities there. They will also conduct an enhanced needs assessment to make sure you are supported to give your best evidence at court. This will consider your needs in relation to interpretation, translation, being understood, special measures or other additional support.
You should plan to leave plenty of time for your journey and get to court on time. You should plan to be at court for the whole day as you may have to wait to give your evidence, so may need to arrange childcare. You should bring your appointment letter, and any other papers you have relating to the case. You may also want to bring something to help you pass the time while you wait, but you are not allowed to read in the courtroom. You should also make provisions for meals, and either bring lunch with you, or money to buy something to eat. If you are taking medication, you will need to bring this with you. If you think you might have a difficulty in attending court for the full day, notify your VWCU case worker as soon as possible.
