In court

Courts are very formal. If you want to make good impression in court the following points may be helpful:

• Try to be neat and tidy in your dress and appearance.
• Don't put your hands in your pockets, it is best to keep them by your side.
• Don't eat or chew gum in court.
• If you want to say something to the Magistrates but feel nervous about speaking in court, write down what you want to say and hand your note to the solicitor or the court clerk.
• Do not be afraid to ask if you do not understand anything. It can be explained to you. If you or your parent/guardian or other adult attending with you do not speak or understand English well, ask for an interpreter.

Admitting / denying the charge(s)

When you first go into court the clerk will read out the offences with which you are charged. You will then be asked whether you wish to plead 'guilty' or 'not guilty'.

You can then do one of three things:

• You can ask for a delay (an adjournment) to give you time to talk to a solicitor about your case. If you are unsure about what to do or if you have not spoken to a solicitor, it is best to ask for an adjournment.
• You can deny the offence (plead 'not guilty'). The case will then be adjourned to a later date for a 'Pre trial review' or a full trial when witnesses can be called by both yourself and the CPS.
• You can admit the offence (plead 'guilty'). You should not do this unless you have first discussed it with a solicitor. If you plead guilty you may be dealt with there and then. Sometimes the case will be put off until a later date to allow the court to find out more about you.

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