If you are being charged with a crime, you will be given what is known as a ‘charge sheet’. This will give you all the information of the crime that you are being charged with. The police will then conclude whether you are free to leave until the court hearing – however you may have to act in accordance with particular rules, called ‘bail’ or you will be held in police custody until the  time arrives you to be taken to court for your hearing.

Your first court hearing after having been charged with a crime will take place at a magistrates’ court or perhaps these days as a ‘virtual court’ with the use of video technology – even if your trial is later on at a Crown Court. You should contact experienced criminal solicitors in Yorkshire, to know precisely where you stand.

Younger People

• If you are under the age of 18, your first hearing will commonly take place in a youth court.
• If you’re under 17, the police will make plans for you to be held in local authority accommodation, prior to going to court.
• If you’re 12 to 16, the police will determine if you should be held at the police station if it is believed it will safeguard the general public.

Conditions of Bail

You might be released on bail from the police station if you have been charged, and you can then go home until your court hearing date.

After given bail, you might have to agree to conditions like:

• Remain at a particular address
• No contact with certain individuals
• Handing in your passport to the police to prevent you from fleeing abroad
• Report at periodical times at a police station, e.g. once a week
• If you don’t follow these conditions you will then be rearrested and sent to prison and wait for your court hearing.

After attending your hearing at a magistrates’ court or a ‘virtual court’ – video conferencing in court – you may be given bail again until your trial begins.

Reasons you’re unlikely to be granted bail are:

• Getting charged with a serious offence, e.g., armed robbery
• Convicted of a serious crime sometime in the past
• Given bail previously and not adhered to the terms
• The police reason that you may not show up for your hearing
• The police believe that you are at risk of committing a crime whilst out on bail

Reasons for being put on remand are:

• Being charged with a serious crime, e.g., armed robbery
• Been convicted of a serious crime in the past
• The police believe you may not show up for your hearing
• The police believe you are at risk of committing a crime while out on bail
• Previously given bail previously and not adhered to the terms

After attending your hearing at a magistrates’ court, you might be placed on remand until your trial begins, even if previously given bail.

Consult with legal professionals whose job it is to look after your rights.