The following are available at Court
Legal Aid and Legal Representation
You should decide at once if you want to see a solicitor. If in any doubt, see one without delay. Make sure you take your charge sheet or summons and ask your solicitor about legal aid
- You may be entitled to legal aid under the Legal Aid scheme and this is a matter you should discuss with your solicitor.
- Make arrangements to see your solicitor as soon as possible and well before the hearing date shown on the charge sheet or summons. If you leave it too late, he/she may not be available for your hearing date.
The court can deal with you without a solicitor being present unless it is satisfied that you have a reasonable excuse for any delay.
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Duty Solicitor
If you need advice and are unrepresented and have not already instructed a solicitor, there will be a duty solicitor in the Magistrates' Court. On the day of the hearing he/she may be available to provide advice.
However, the Duty Solicitor will only be available for a defendant who is accused of an imprisonable offence, or if the defendant is already in custody. If you are in any doubt, please contact a local firm of solicitors.
Ushers
Ushers wear black gowns and organise the case throughput in each court. When you first attend at court please contact an usher, giving them your name. Every effort will be made to deal with your case as soon as possible. It is therefore essential that you inform the usher if for any reason you have to leave the waiting area. They in turn will keep you informed of the progress of your case.
Services for the Disabled
Trafford Courthouse aims to be fully compliant with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act.
In particular the following features already exist for disabled court users, visitors, and magistrates.
- Car Parking: Arrangements can be made for those displaying a disabled badge by contacting the court prior to your visit on 0161 976 3333
- Wheelchairs: A wheelchair is available for those with walking difficulties.
- Lifts: Available to the courtrooms on the first floor of the building
- Disabled Toilets: Available in the building.
- Hearing Loops: Audio Loops available to those with hearing difficulties
If you require further assistance or information while in the building, please ask at the reception, speak to a court usher (in a black gown) or a member of security staff.
If you need any additional information for those with a disability please contact our Team Leader User Support Services, Mr. George Brown on 0161 975 4653
Witness Support Services
Being asked to give evidence in court can be a very daunting experience and can affect individuals in many different ways. Going to court is a new experience for many people and can make them feel worried and apprehensive .
At Trafford Magistrates Court the witness suite offers a safe, secure and friendly environment where you can wait for your case to be called. Witnesses are able to have a cup of tea/coffee while they wait and there is a television, magazines and a pay phone within the suite.
Magistrates Court Witness Service Volunteers
Volunteers are on hand to allay witnesses fears and reassure them as much as possible and help them in the following ways:
- by receiving witnesses and their supporters referred to the witness suite, although particularly vulnerable or nervous witnesses can be met at reception.
- by providing witnesses and their supporters with advice, support and information to assist them with the practical and emotional impact of attending court and giving evidence.
This may involve:
- providing basic information on court procedure and layout.
- undertaking a pre-trial familiarisation visit to the courtroom.
- listening and empathising with victims concerns and anxieties.
- accompanying witnesses into court if requested, sitting in public area.
- explaining any legal jargon.
- explaining and completing a claims form.
- referring to another witnesses agency, if appropriate.
Witnesses sometimes feel they would find it helpful to visit the Court before the day of the trial, to see a court room and learn a little about the procedures. If you would like to make use of this service, please contact the Witness Support Team on (0161) 912 1343 or (0161) 975 4682, and their volunteers will be pleased to help.
The main aim of the Witness Service is to try and make the experience of giving evidence as stress free as possible, and the support that their volunteers supply goes a long way to achieving this.
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Attending Court and being prepared
Many delays occur in Magistrates’ Courts when the defendant and his or her legal team arrive at Court unprepared. This is particularly true for follow up appearances.
If you are a defendant, please make sure that you and your solicitor are able to fulfill the expectations that the Court has for each appearance.
For our part, we will make every attempt to deal with your case efficiently and quickly.
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