Being told your case is going to the Crown Court can be frightening. The Crown Court deals with the most serious criminal cases in England and Wales, and the process involves several hearings before a trial ever begins. Understanding what happens at each stage, and when, can help you make better decisions about your case, especially about your plea.
At Hi Solicitors, our criminal defence solicitors in Bolton represent clients at every stage of Crown Court proceedings. This guide walks you through the timeline of a typical case, from the first hearing to the verdict.
What Happens First? The Magistrates’ Court Hearing
Every adult criminal case starts in the magistrates’ court, even if it will end up in the Crown Court. You can read more in our guide to what happens at a magistrates’ court hearing.
There are two ways a case reaches the Crown Court:
- Indictable-only offences. The most serious offences, such as robbery, can only be tried in the Crown Court. The magistrates send these cases straight there.
- Either-way offences. If you indicate a not guilty plea, the court decides where the case should be heard. Under the current law, if the magistrates agree to hear it, you can still choose a Crown Court trial.
The magistrates also decide whether you are released on bail or remanded in custody until your first Crown Court hearing.
What Is the Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing (PTPH)?
The PTPH is your first hearing at the Crown Court. It should normally take place within 28 days of your case being sent. In many cases it is the only hearing before trial.
At the PTPH:
- The charges are put to you. You enter a plea to each charge. This is called the arraignment.
- If you plead guilty, the judge may sentence you that day, but often adjourns sentencing so a pre-sentence report can be prepared.
- If you plead not guilty, the judge identifies the issues in dispute, fixes a trial date and sets a timetable for both sides.
You can also ask the judge for a Goodyear indication. This is the maximum sentence the judge would impose if you pleaded guilty at that point. Your lawyer can only request it on your written instructions.
How Much Credit Do You Get for Pleading Guilty?
The earlier you plead guilty, the bigger the reduction in your sentence. Under the Sentencing Council guideline, the first stage of proceedings is normally the first hearing at the magistrates’ court.
| When you plead guilty | Maximum reduction in sentence |
| At the first stage of proceedings (normally the magistrates’ court) | One-third |
| After the first stage, for example at the PTPH | One-quarter |
| On the first day of trial | One-tenth |
Between the PTPH and the trial, the reduction falls on a sliding scale. This is why getting legal advice before your first hearing is so important.
What Happens Between the PTPH and the Trial?
After a not guilty plea, the judge sets a timetable in stages. The exact dates vary, but the usual pattern is:
- The prosecution serves its case. Under standard Crown Court case management, this is usually around 50 days after sending if you are in custody, or 70 days if you are on bail.
- The defence responds. This includes the defence statement, normally due within 28 days of the prosecution’s initial disclosure. See our guide to what a defence statement is and when you need one.
- The prosecution reviews disclosure. It must consider any unused material that might help your case.
- Final preparation. Remaining issues are dealt with, such as expert reports, special measures for witnesses, or digital evidence from phones and computers.
If problems arise, the court can list further case management hearings. You can change your plea to guilty at any time, but the later you do so, the smaller the reduction.
What Happens at a Crown Court Trial?
At present, every Crown Court trial is heard by a judge and a jury. The judge decides questions of law and the jury decides the facts. A trial usually follows this order:
- The jury is sworn in. Twelve members of the public take an oath or affirmation.
- The prosecution opens. The prosecution barrister outlines the case against you.
- The prosecution calls its evidence. Your barrister cross-examines its witnesses.
- Submission of no case to answer. If the prosecution evidence is too weak, your barrister can ask the judge to stop the case. If the judge agrees, you are acquitted on that charge.
- The defence case. You can give evidence and call witnesses. You do not have to give evidence, but the judge may tell the jury they can draw an adverse inference if you do not.
- Closing speeches. The prosecution goes first, then the defence.
- The judge sums up. The judge directs the jury on the law and summarises the evidence.
How Does the Jury Reach a Verdict?
The jury retires to a private room to deliberate. It is first asked to reach a unanimous verdict.
If it cannot, the judge may accept a majority verdict of 11–1 or 10–2, or 10–1 or 9–1 if jurors have been discharged during the trial. The law requires at least two hours of deliberation before a majority verdict can be accepted. In practice, judges allow at least two hours and ten minutes.
If the jury still cannot agree, this is called a hung jury. The prosecution can then decide whether to ask for a retrial.
What Happens After the Verdict?
If you are found not guilty, you are acquitted and free to leave court on that charge. In almost all cases you cannot be tried again for the same offence.
If you are found guilty, the judge may sentence you straight away. More often, sentencing is adjourned for a pre-sentence report from the Probation Service, and the judge decides whether you stay on bail or are remanded in custody until then.
If you believe your conviction or sentence is wrong, you may be able to appeal. Strict time limits apply. Our guide to appealing a criminal conviction explains the process, and our Court of Appeal team can review your case.
How Long Does a Crown Court Case Take?
There is no fixed timescale. It depends on the court’s listings, the complexity of the evidence and whether you are on bail or in custody.
- In custody: the custody time limit is normally 182 days from the case being sent to the start of the trial, less any time spent in custody at the magistrates’ court. The prosecution can apply to extend it, but must show a good reason and that it has acted with due diligence.
- On bail: there is no custody time limit, and waits can be much longer. Ministry of Justice figures show around 80,000 cases outstanding in the Crown Court at the end of March 2026.
Could Jury Trials Change?
The government’s Courts and Tribunals Bill proposes judge-only trials for some either-way offences and would remove the right to choose a Crown Court jury trial for those offences. As of October 2026 the Bill was still going through Parliament and had not become law. If it is passed, parts of this timeline will change.
How Hi Solicitors Can Help
Our criminal defence team represents clients at every stage of a Crown Court case. We can:
- advise you on your plea and the credit available
- prepare your defence statement
- review the prosecution evidence and disclosure
- instruct experienced barristers for your trial
Early advice makes a real difference, often before you even reach court. If you have been arrested or asked to attend an interview, our police station representation service is available 24 hours a day. Find out more about our Crown Court representation.
If your case is going to the Crown Court, call Hi Solicitors on 01204 371 414 or book a free initial consultation. All enquiries are handled in strict confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to attend every Crown Court hearing?
You must attend the PTPH, the trial and any hearing the court tells you to attend. If you are on bail and fail to attend without a reasonable excuse, you commit a separate offence and a warrant may be issued for your arrest.
Can I change my plea after the PTPH?
Yes. You can change a not guilty plea to guilty at any stage. The reduction in sentence becomes smaller the later you plead, down to a maximum of one-tenth on the first day of trial.
How many hearings will there be before trial?
In many cases the PTPH is the only hearing before trial. More complex cases, or cases where problems arise, may have further case management hearings.
What is the difference between the PTPH and the trial?
The PTPH is a short hearing where you enter your plea and the court plans the case. No witnesses give evidence. The trial is where the evidence is heard and the jury decides the verdict.
Can a jury convict if not everyone agrees?
Yes, but only by a lawful majority, such as 10–2, and only after the judge has given a majority direction following at least two hours of deliberation.
