COVID COURT

What can you expect when you have to appear at, or accompany someone to, Guildford Magistrates’ Court and Staines Magistrates’ Court during Covid?

This is not official guidance, only what I have experienced from visiting Guildford Magistrates’ Court and Staines Magistrates’ Court.

The criminal Courts are remaining open throughout Lockdown version 2!

I have notice the there are fewer cases listed at court, making it slightly more civilised.

Where court car parks exist, there is more parking available.

Court staff are busier, applying the health regulations, and not as available as usual to help.

Attendees are given a time slot; a good development. Let’s hope this change remains. Before Covid, everyone was told to attend at the same time in the morning.

Masks are required.

Family and friends are allowed into the courtroom on a very limited basis. I was told that only family/friends from the same ‘bubble’ were permitted; possibly only two people.

The Court staff refused to be handed anything! No documents or driving licenses! After being disqualified, you may have to send your driving license to DVLA: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN (the only obvious address I have found on the internet for such a purpose.)

If you need representing at Staines Magistrates’ Court or Guildford Magistrates’ Court, contact Andrew Henley, a direct access barrister.