How Long Does A Criminal Case Usually Take?
Criminal cases can take weeks or many months depending on the court, evidence and complexity. This guide explains typical Magistrates' Court, Crown Court and appeal timescales.
There is no single timetable
The length of a criminal case depends on the allegation, court availability, evidence and actions of the prosecution. It is often impossible to give an exact end date at the beginning.
Magistrates' Court
A straightforward guilty plea may conclude within several weeks. A not guilty plea requiring a trial will normally take longer because the court needs to list the matter and prepare the case for trial.
Crown Court
Crown Court cases generally involve more preparation and can take substantially longer. Court backlogs, the volume of evidence, expert witnesses and the number of defendants can all affect the timetable.
Appeals
Appeal timescales vary according to the court and nature of the appeal. Advice on prospects and preparation of the relevant grounds should be considered separately from the eventual hearing date.