Going to court to give evidence as a victim or witness
Before the trial
If you’re a victim of crime or a witness for the prosecution, a ‘witness care officer’ will tell you which court to go to, and when to go there.
If you’re a witness for the defence, the defence lawyer will tell you when you have to go to court.
You’ll usually be given a fixed date to go to court.
Sometimes you’ll be given a 2 to 4 week period that you’ll need to keep free - this is known as a ‘warned period’ or ‘floating trial’. If this happens, you’ll be given 1 working day’s notice before you are due to go to court.
You must tell your witness care officer or the defence lawyer straight away if you cannot make the date of the trial.
Help getting to the court
There’s different support if you’re going to court as a witness in Scotland or going to court as a witness in Northern Ireland.
You’re a victim or prosecution witness
Ask the witness care officer for help if you cannot easily travel to court. They might be able to provide transport.
You might be able to give evidence through a video link if you live far away from the court, or find it very difficult to get there. Ask your witness care officer if this is available.
You’re a defence witness
Speak to the defence lawyer if you need help with getting to court.
You might be able to give evidence through a video link if you live far away from the court, or find it very difficult to get there. Ask the defence lawyer if this is possible.
Help in the courtroom if you have a disability
Check which facilities are available in the court you’re going to.
If you might need extra help, speak to:
- your witness care officer, if you’re a victim or prosecution witness
- the defence lawyer, if you’re a defence witness
They should make sure you have the support you need, for example:
- ramps or access to accessible toilets
- a hearing loop
- a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter
- forms in large print
- guidance in audio or easy read formats
Translators
If you do not understand English, you can usually get someone to translate or interpret the trial for free. Ask the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to arrange a translator if you’re a victim or prosecution witness.
If you’re a defence witness, ask the defence lawyer if you can get a translator.
Help preparing to give evidence
You can get help to prepare for the trial, either as a victim or as a witness.
If you live in London, contact Victim Support.
If you live outside of London, contact the Citizens Advice Witness Service.
You can also ask to be referred to these organisations by:
- your witness care officer, if you’re a victim or prosecution witness
- the defence lawyer, if you’re a defence witness
These organisations can:
- show you around the court so you know what to expect on the day (sometimes called a pre-trial visit)
- explain the court process and who’s who in the courtroom
- come to your home or anywhere you feel safe to answer your questions
On the day of the trial, you’ll be offered support from the Citizens Advice Witness Service, even if Victim Support helped you before the trial.