How Long Will My Case Take?

In accordance with Bar Standards Board transparency rules, we provide the following information to help you understand the likely timescales of your case.

The length of a criminal case is influenced by many factors, and it is often impossible to predict precisely how long your case will take from the outset. Cases can range from a few weeks (for a simple plea in the Magistrates' Court) to 18 months or more (for a complex trial in the Crown Court).

We know that waiting for a resolution is difficult. Our commitment is to keep you informed with realistic updates throughout your case.

Factors That Influence Timescales

Many factors that affect the speed of your case are outside of our control. The most common factors include:

• Court Availability: All courts, particularly the Crown Court, face significant backlogs. The single biggest factor is often the wait for a suitable trial date.
• Complexity of the Case: Cases involving large volumes of evidence, multiple defendants, or novel points of law will naturally take longer to prepare.
• Volume of Evidence: The amount of papers, digital data, and CCTV footage we need to review impacts the preparation time.
• Third-Party Availability: We often rely on third parties, such as expert witnesses (medical, forensic, or psychiatric), to provide reports. Their availability can impact the schedule.
• Prosecution Approach: The speed at which the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) serves evidence or responds to applications can cause delays.
• Barrister Availability: We will always aim to represent you personally. However, pre-existing professional commitments in other courts may sometimes influence scheduling.

Typical Stages and Indicative Timescales

While every case is unique, the following stages provide a general guide to what you might expect.

1. Magistrates' Court Cases

• Guilty Plea: Typically concluded within 4–8 weeks of the first hearing.
• Not Guilty Plea (Trial): Typically concludes within 3–6 months of the first hearing, depending on court listing times.

2. Crown Court Cases

• Initial Phases: Your case will usually be sent to the Crown Court within 2–4 weeks of your first Magistrates' Court appearance.
• Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing (PTPH): Usually takes place 28 days after being sent to the Crown Court.
• Trial: If you plead not guilty, the wait for a trial date can be significant. It is currently common for trials to be listed 12–18 months (or longer) after the PTPH due to current court backlogs.

3. Appeals

• Appeal to Crown Court: Typically heard within 2–5 months of the Magistrates' Court decision.
• Court of Appeal: Timescales vary widely but often take 6–12 months or longer.

Urgent Cases and Custody

If you or a family member are remanded in custody, the courts generally treat the case with greater urgency than if the defendant is on bail. We are available to assist with urgent bail applications immediately, but we cannot guarantee that the court system will expedite the trial date.

Keeping You Updated

We will provide you with a more accurate time estimate once we have reviewed the specific details of your case (Initial Details of the Prosecution Case). As your case progresses, we will update you on any changes to the expected timescale.

This information is reviewed at least annually. Last reviewed: December 2025.

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All information is available in alternative formats (e.g., large print) upon request. Please contact info@astonslaw.com.