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. Cases can range from a few weeks to many months, depending on circumstances such as the complexity of the matter, court availability, and the actions of other parties in the justice system. We know that waiting for a resolution is difficult, and our commitment is to keep you informed with realistic updates throughout.
This page explains the principal factors that affect case timescales and what you can expect at different stages. While we will always work to progress your case efficiently, it is important to understand that many elements are outside our direct control.
Multiple factors interact to determine how long your case will take to conclude. Below are some of the most significant.
Straightforward cases in the Magistrates' Court may be resolved relatively quickly. By contrast, serious and complex cases in the Crown Court—especially those involving multiple defendants, substantial evidence, or novel legal issues—will take considerably longer to prepare and bring to trial.
Your hearing date must be arranged to suit your barrister's diary, the judge's availability, and the court's schedule. While we always aim to accommodate hearing dates, pre-existing professional commitments can influence scheduling.
The speed at which your solicitor can gather evidence, take your instructions, and prepare papers for your barrister has a direct impact on the pace of your case. We work closely with instructing solicitors to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
Cases involving large volumes of documents, digital evidence (such as phone data), or numerous witness statements require more time for review and preparation.
All courts, particularly the Crown Court, face significant backlogs. The single biggest factor affecting timescales is often the wait for a suitable trial date. This is determined by the court administration and is beyond the control of your legal team.
A trial or hearing can only proceed when all necessary participants, including prosecution and defence witnesses, are available. If a key witness is unavailable, the court may need to adjourn the hearing to a later date.
Instructing an expert to prepare a report (e.g., a medical, forensic, or psychiatric report) adds time to a case. It takes time for the expert to be instructed, conduct their analysis, and write their report.
Cases where the defendant is held in custody are generally prioritised by the courts over those where the defendant is on bail. Urgent applications, such as bail hearings, are also dealt with more quickly.
The following timeframes are indicative estimates only. Actual timescales can vary significantly based on the factors listed above.
As a client, you play a vital role in keeping your case moving. You can help avoid unnecessary delays by:
It is important to realise that many delays are caused by factors outside your barrister's control. These include:
If you or a person you are supporting is in custody, the case will generally be treated with greater urgency by the court system. We are available any time of the day, any day of the week to provide advice and representation for urgent bail applications. While we will act immediately on urgent matters, we cannot guarantee that the court will be able to expedite the overall case timeline.
As part of our hands-on, client-focused approach, we are committed to providing you with regular and realistic updates on the progress of your case. We take the time to ensure you understand each stage and what to expect next. Your primary point of contact for day-to-day updates is usually your instructing solicitor, but your barrister will provide strategic updates at key points.
This information is reviewed at least annually. Last reviewed: November 2025.