Single justice procedure notices

If an individual or company has been charged with a minor criminal offence, the case may be decided by a magistrate without going to court. This is known as the ‘single justice procedure’.

If this applies to you, you’ll get a single justice procedure notice when you’re charged.

A magistrate will make a decision on your case without your say if you do not respond to your notice within 21 days. You could be found guilty or fined.

There are different rules about cases that go to court in Scotland and cases that go to court in Northern Ireland.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

How to respond to your notice

Your notice will tell you who has brought the case against you (for example, the police or TV Licensing), how to make a plea, and if you can make a plea online.

When you respond you will need to say whether you plead guilty or not guilty.

Plead guilty

You can choose if you want to go to court or not.

If you do not go to court, the magistrate will make a decision based on the information they have. You’ll get a letter with the magistrate’s decision.

You can go to court if you want to give information to the magistrates in person. You’ll get a letter telling you when to go to court.

Plead not guilty

You have to go to court and give information to the magistrates in person. You’ll get a letter telling you when to go to court.

If you do not respond to the single justice procedure notice

If you do not respond to the notice within 21 days, the magistrate will make a decision about your case without your say.

This could mean that if you are found guilty and sentenced, there will be no reduced sentence for a guilty plea. Your fine or penalty points may also be higher. Money may be taken from your pay or benefits.

If you need help with your notice you can get legal advice. You can also get free advice from Citizens Advice.

Get case information

You can call the Courts and Tribunals Service Centre to get information about a case including case results.

You’ll need your case reference number - this is on your single justice procedure notice.

If you’re from the media, you can get case information and ask for a list of results to be sent to you. You’ll need your UK press card details.

Courts and Tribunals Service Centre
Telephone: 0300 303 0656
Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm
Find out about call charges