FAQs Archive - Page 3 of 4 - Witness Service

Q: What if I cannot afford to go to court?

If you cannot afford to go to court, you should contact your Witness Care Unit officer or the defence solicitor and explain the situation. Attending court can mean unexpected financial costs from things like travelling, childcare, parking and refreshments. Depending on your employment, you may need to take a day off work (which could be unpaid) or decline work if you’re self-employed. You can claim expenses and an allowance for attending court as a witness.

Q: How long will it take at court?

This depends on several factors. If you are a prosecution witness, the Witness Care Unit officer and the Witness Service will keep you updated as the trial progresses. If you are a defence witness, the defence solicitor or a member of the defence team will keep you informed.

Q: Can I visit the court before the trial, so I know what it looks like and what to expect?

The Witness Service can help you arrange to visit a court building before the trial starts, to find out what it’s like and what to expect on the day of the trial. This is called a pre-trial visit and can help you feel more confident on the day, so you can give your best evidence. The pre-trial visit should take place at the court you're due to attend. (If the court changes, we can offer you another pre-trial visit - or a virtual pre-trial visit - of the new court.) You can request a pre-trial visit of the courtroom or a virtual pre-trial visit through your Witness Service supporter.

Q: How do I find the court?

You’ll find details of which court to attend on the letter you received from the Witness Care Unit asking you to give evidence at court. If you’re unsure, you can ask the Witness Care Unit or officer in the case (OIC) if you’re a prosecution witness, or the defence solicitor if you’re a defence witness. For more information about the court, and directions to it, visit the GOV.UK website at the following link: gov.uk/find-court-tribunal .

Q: Can I bring my children to court?

It is not advisable to bring children to court (unless they are witnesses) because court is not a suitable environment for young children. There will be no childcare available in the court building while you give evidence, and the Witness Service cannot look after any children at court unless they are witnesses. If you have school-age children, you could consider asking a friend or family member to help you by dropping them off and picking them up from school. Schools may also be helpful with afterschool clubs but if this is not possible or you have any issues, tell the person who invited you to attend court (the Witness Care Unit officer or defence lawyer.) If your children are younger than school age, you’ll need to arrange childcare. You can speak to the Witness Care Unit or officer in the case (OIC) if you’re a prosecution witness, or the defence solicitor if you’re a defence witness, about claiming back childcare costs.

Q: What should I wear to go to court?

There is no dress code for attending court and it’s important to wear something you’ll feel most comfortable in. Judges, magistrates and court staff may be wearing more formal clothing, such as wigs, gowns or suits. But you do not have to wear a suit or any sort of formal clothing. You may want to consider wearing layers in case it’s particularly warm or cold in the court building.

Q: Should I take anything with me?

You might need to wait for a period of time at court before you’re called into the courtroom to give your evidence. You could consider bringing any of the following: the letter you received asking you to attend court to give evidence a book, e-book reader, magazine, phone or tablet to occupy you until it’s time to give your evidence. We have more suggestions of things you could consider bringing .

Q: How do I prepare to go to court?

It may help to think about a few practical things in advance to make your day in court go more smoothly. This could include anything you want to take with you, how you will get there, and whether you need to take time off work or arrange childcare.

Q: What if my trial is delayed?

Sometimes trial dates can change, and this can be at short notice. This might be because a courtroom is needed elsewhere, or a judge is not available. There are usually more trials scheduled in England and Wales than there are courtrooms available. When a trial is postponed, this is called an adjournment. It can be hard to hear your trial has been delayed but knowing this could happen might help you feel more prepared as your court date approaches.