Criminal Law
Crown Court Barristers
Specialist advocacy for Crown Court cases, from the Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing to jury trial and sentencing.
Takes about 2 minutes. No obligation.
Barristers regulated by the Bar Standards Board
The Crown Court deals with the most serious criminal cases. Indictable-only offences are sent there directly from the Magistrates' Court, and either-way offences are sent there when the magistrates decline jurisdiction or the defendant elects jury trial. Cases can also be committed to the Crown Court for sentence. Trials take place before a judge and a jury, with the judge deciding questions of law and sentence and the jury deciding guilt.
Under the Better Case Management approach, the key early hearing is the Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing (PTPH), usually held within about 28 days of the case being sent. At the PTPH you are arraigned and enter your pleas, and if you plead not guilty the judge sets a timetable, including dates for the prosecution to serve its case and initial disclosure, for the defence to serve a defence case statement and for the trial. The defence case statement sets out the nature of your defence and the matters you take issue with, and it generally has to be served within 28 days of the prosecution's initial disclosure unless the court extends time. Failing to serve one, or departing from it at trial, can allow the jury to draw adverse inferences.
If you are convicted or plead guilty, the judge passes sentence by reference to the Sentencing Council guidelines, often after a pre-sentence report. Credit is given for guilty pleas, with the greatest reduction for a plea at the first stage of proceedings. Mitigation, character references and any relevant reports can make a real difference to the outcome.
We want to be honest about Direct Access in the Crown Court. Many Crown Court cases involve a large volume of evidence, unused material, expert reports and witness tracing, and a Barrister cannot take on the work of a litigator such as conducting correspondence with the prosecution on your behalf or serving documents. For complex or high-volume cases, the right approach is often a Barrister working alongside a Solicitor. Direct Access can still work well for advice, second opinions, sentencing hearings and more straightforward cases where you are able to manage the administrative side yourself, and your Barrister will tell you frankly which applies to you.
What Crown Court Barristers Do
Court Advocacy
Your Barrister can represent you at:
- Plea and Trial Preparation Hearings
- Bail applications
- Applications to dismiss charges
- Further case management and mention hearings
- Jury trials
- Sentencing hearings and committals for sentence
Legal Advice
Specialist guidance on:
- The strength of the prosecution case
- Plea and credit for a guilty plea
- Disclosure and unused material
- Bad character and hearsay applications
- Whether you need expert evidence
- Likely sentence and appeal prospects
Document Drafting
Your Barrister can draft:
- Defence case statements
- Defence witness notices
- Applications under the Criminal Procedure Rules
- Requests for further disclosure
- Skeleton arguments on points of law
- Written mitigation
Your Barrister drafts these documents. Without a Solicitor, you are responsible for serving them on the court and the prosecution in time.
What You Handle
With Direct Access:
- Receiving the prosecution case and disclosure
- Serving documents on the court and prosecution
- Tracing and contacting defence witnesses
- Obtaining records and supporting documents
- Keeping track of court deadlines
- Attending every hearing
How Direct Access Works
- 1
Suitability Assessment
Your Barrister reviews the charges and papers and tells you honestly whether Direct Access is suitable, or whether you need a Solicitor as well.
- 2
Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing
You enter your pleas. If you plead not guilty, the judge identifies the issues and sets the timetable for the case through to trial.
- 3
Prosecution Case and Disclosure
The prosecution serves its evidence and initial disclosure. Your Barrister analyses it and advises on the issues and any further material needed.
- 4
Defence Case Statement
Your Barrister drafts the defence case statement from your instructions. It is served within the time limit, which can trigger further disclosure.
- 5
Trial
Your Barrister makes any legal applications, cross-examines prosecution witnesses, presents your defence and addresses the jury in a closing speech.
- 6
Sentencing
If there is a conviction or guilty plea, your Barrister presents mitigation by reference to the sentencing guidelines and advises on any appeal.
Does your case qualify for Direct Access?
Tell us about your matter and we'll confirm whether you can instruct a Barrister directly, then match you with the right specialist.
Prefer to talk? Call 0800 302 9921. Lines open 8am to 8pm, same-day callback.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I instruct a Barrister directly for a Crown Court case?
Yes, in principle. The Barrister must decide whether Direct Access is in your interests, taking into account the complexity of the case and your ability to handle the tasks a Solicitor would normally do. In many serious or document-heavy cases, they may advise that you also need a Solicitor.
What is a PTPH?
The Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing is the first main hearing in the Crown Court. You are asked to plead to each count on the indictment. If you plead not guilty, the court sets dates for service of evidence, disclosure, the defence case statement and the trial, and records the likely issues.
What is a defence case statement?
It is a written document required in Crown Court cases setting out the nature of your defence, the facts you dispute and why, and any points of law you intend to rely on. It must be served within the time limit. Your Barrister drafts it carefully from your instructions, because inconsistencies can be raised at trial.
What is Better Case Management?
Better Case Management is the approach used in the Crown Court to reduce delay and wasted hearings. It focuses on early engagement between prosecution and defence, a standard PTPH form, identifying the real issues early and a clear timetable to trial.
Should I consider legal aid for a Crown Court case?
Crown Court legal aid is means tested and may involve contributions. It is provided through a Solicitors' firm, not through Direct Access. Defendants who pay privately and are acquitted can generally recover only limited costs, so it is worth getting advice on legal aid before deciding how to fund your defence.
Can a Barrister help with sentencing only?
Yes. If you have already pleaded guilty or been convicted, a Barrister can review the case, advise on the likely sentence and present mitigation at the sentencing hearing. This is one of the areas where Direct Access often works well.
How are fees agreed for Crown Court work?
Fixed fees, agreed up front. Advice starts from £250 and court representation from £850, with a clear quote before any work begins. Crown Court trials vary greatly in length and complexity, so your quote will reflect the specific stages you need help with.
Facing Crown Court Proceedings?
Get an honest assessment of your case and of whether Direct Access is right for you.
Or call us: 0800 302 9921. Lines open 8am to 8pm, same-day callback.