What happens after someone is charged with a crime in London?

What the charge means

A person becomes a defendant when they are charged. The charge names the offence the prosecution alleges; it does not mean the allegation has been proved. The Crown Prosecution Service says prosecutors apply an evidential test and a public-interest test, but the trial court applies a different and higher test before it can convict.

Some less serious charging decisions can be made by police. Prosecutors review more serious cases and may ask police for further evidence. A case remains under continuing review after charge, which means charges can be amended or proceedings can stop if the legal test is no longer met.

The first magistrates’ court hearing

All adult criminal cases start in a magistrates’ court. At that hearing the court confirms the charge, deals with a plea where appropriate, considers bail and decides the next procedural step. Less serious cases can remain there; cases that can only be tried on indictment are sent to the Crown Court.

Bail and remand

A defendant released on bail must attend later hearings and may have conditions, such as not contacting a person or entering an area. If bail is refused, the defendant can be remanded in custody before trial. Remand is not a sentence and still does not establish guilt.

Plea, trial, verdict and sentence

A guilty plea usually moves the case toward sentence, although reports must still identify which count was admitted. A not-guilty plea leads toward a trial unless the prosecution later changes or discontinues the case. At trial, magistrates, a district judge or a jury decide the facts according to the court and offence.

Only a conviction or guilty plea permits the court to sentence. An acquittal, dismissal or discontinuance is a materially different outcome and should be attached to the original public record rather than left as a separate update readers may never find.