What Happens at a Crown Court Hearing
A step-by-step guide to what happens at Crown Court hearings in England & Wales. Covers trials, sentencing, PCMH hearings, bail applications, and appeals.
Crown Courts handle the most serious criminal cases in England and Wales — including murder, robbery, serious fraud, and appeals from Magistrates Courts. If you've been called to attend, are a witness, or are reporting on proceedings, understanding what to expect helps you prepare.
This guide covers the main types of Crown Court hearing, what happens at each stage, and practical information about attending.
Before You Arrive
- Check the daily cause list to confirm your case is listed and note the courtroom number
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before the listed time — security screening takes time
- Bring photo ID and any court correspondence you've received
- Mobile phones must be switched to silent — recording is not permitted without permission
- Dress appropriately — courts expect smart, respectful attire
Get hearing reminders. CauseAlert sends SMS or email reminders before your hearing, including any last-minute time or courtroom changes.
Get AlertsThe Trial Process
A Crown Court trial is the full hearing of a criminal case before a judge and jury. The prosecution presents evidence first, followed by the defence. The jury then deliberates and returns a verdict.
Trials can last from a single day to several weeks depending on the complexity of the case. Multi-defendant cases and fraud trials tend to be the longest.
Stages of a Crown Court Trial
- Jury selection. Twelve jurors are selected at random from the electoral roll. Both prosecution and defence can challenge jurors in limited circumstances.
- Prosecution opening. The prosecution barrister outlines the case and explains what they intend to prove. This sets the framework for the evidence that follows.
- Prosecution evidence. Witnesses are called, examined by the prosecution, and cross-examined by the defence. Physical evidence, documents, and expert testimony may also be presented.
- Defence case. The defence may call witnesses and present evidence. The defendant may choose to give evidence but is not required to.
- Closing speeches. Both sides summarise their case to the jury. The prosecution goes first, then the defence.
- Judge's summing up. The judge explains the relevant law to the jury and summarises the evidence. The judge must be balanced and direct the jury on legal points.
- Jury deliberation and verdict. The jury retires to consider the verdict in private. They must try to reach a unanimous verdict. If they cannot, the judge may accept a majority verdict (at least 10-2).
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Start free — 2 alerts includedSentencing Hearings
A sentencing hearing takes place after a guilty plea or a guilty verdict. The judge hears submissions from the prosecution and defence about the appropriate sentence, considers any pre-sentence reports, and delivers the sentence.
Sentencing can happen on the same day as a guilty plea (for straightforward cases) or be adjourned for weeks to allow time for reports. The cause list will indicate when a sentencing hearing is scheduled.
Other Crown Court Hearing Types
| Hearing | Purpose | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| PCMH | Pre-trial case management — plea is entered and trial timetable set | Usually 30-60 minutes. The defendant will be asked to enter a plea. If not guilty, a trial date is set. |
| Mention | Brief administrative hearing for procedural matters | 5-15 minutes. Usually deals with adjournments, disclosure issues, or bail variations. |
| Bail Application | Application to release defendant from custody | 15-30 minutes. Defence argues for release; prosecution may oppose. Judge decides. |
| Appeal | Appeal against Magistrates Court conviction or sentence | Half day to full day. Case is reheard before a Crown Court judge. |
| Newton Hearing | Disputed facts hearing after guilty plea | Hours to full day. Judge hears evidence to determine the factual basis for sentencing. |
Attending as a Member of the Public
Crown Court hearings are generally open to the public. You can sit in the public gallery and observe proceedings. There is no need to book in advance — simply arrive at the court and find the correct courtroom from the daily list or court screens.
Some restrictions apply. You cannot take photographs or make audio/video recordings without the court's permission. Live text-based reporting (tweeting) is generally permitted for accredited journalists but members of the public should seek permission.
If a case has reporting restrictions, be aware that publishing identifying information may be a criminal offence. The judge will usually announce restrictions at the start of the hearing.
Remote and Hybrid Hearings
Since 2020, some Crown Court hearings are conducted remotely via video link (CVP or Microsoft Teams) or as hybrid hearings where some participants attend in person and others appear remotely. The cause list will indicate the hearing format. Remote hearings may not be open for public observation — check with the court.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Crown Court hearing take?
It depends on the hearing type. Mentions take 5-15 minutes, bail applications 15-30 minutes, PCMH hearings 30-60 minutes. Trials last from one day to several weeks. Sentencing typically takes 30 minutes to half a day.
What should I wear to Crown Court?
There is no strict dress code for public gallery attendees, but smart, respectful attire is expected. If you are a defendant, witness, or professional, dress formally. Hats and sunglasses should be removed in the courtroom.
Can I bring my phone into Crown Court?
Yes, but it must be on silent. You cannot make calls, take photos, or record audio/video. Some courts may restrict phone use entirely in certain courtrooms — follow the usher's instructions.
What happens if my case is adjourned?
If a case is adjourned, it will be relisted on a future date. The new date will appear on a subsequent cause list. You can set up a CauseAlert to be notified when the case is relisted.
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Create free accountData sourced from HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS), an executive agency of the Ministry of Justice. Court information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Crown copyright.