If you haven’t been charged with a crime, you might assume you have no reason to be in court – but that’s not always the case. In the UK, there are several situations where you could be required to attend court without facing a formal charge. Whether you’re a witness, on bail, or responding to a summons, it’s important to understand why you might be called in and what it means for you. Here’s when you might find yourself in court, even without a charge against you.
5 reasons you might have to go to court without being charged
1. You’re a witness in a case
One of the most common reasons people end up in court without being charged is because they’ve been called as a witness. If you have information relevant to a case, such as a crime you saw, a statement you gave to police, or expert knowledge, you may be asked to give evidence in court. In some situations, you might receive a witness summons, which legally requires you to attend. Ignoring this can lead to penalties, so if you’ve been summoned, it’s important to take it seriously and seek legal advice if you’re unsure about your rights.
2. You’re on bail while under investigation
If you’ve been arrested but not charged, you may be released on police bail while the investigation continues. Depending on the circumstances, you could be required to attend court for a bail hearing, even if the police haven’t yet decided to charge you. This might be to review your bail conditions or to determine whether more time is needed for the investigation. If you’re on Police bail and have been told to attend court, speaking to a solicitor can help you understand what to expect.
3. You’ve received a Notice of Criminal Charge or Postal Requisition
Not all court cases start with an arrest. You might receive a Notice of Criminal Charge or Postal Requisition, commonly known as a court summons, which serves as an official notice requiring you to attend court. This is often issued for minor offences, like motoring violations or unpaid fines, where you haven’t been formally charged but still need to answer to the court. If you ignore a summons, the situation can escalate quickly, potentially leading to fines or even an arrest warrant. Always read the details carefully and seek legal guidance if needed.
4. You’re involved in a criminal court case as a third party
Even if you haven’t been charged with a crime, you might still need to attend a criminal court case in certain circumstances. This could happen if you’re:
- A surety, meaning you’ve agreed to take responsibility for someone released on bail
- The subject of a court order, such as a restraining order or confiscation order under the Proceeds of Crime Act
While you’re not the accused, your attendance may still be legally required.
5. You’ve been accused of contempt of court
Contempt of court is a serious offence that can land you in front of a judge, even if you haven’t been charged with anything else. This happens when someone is accused of:
- Disobeying a court order
- Failing to provide evidence when required
- Disrupting court proceedings
Being found in contempt can lead to fines or even jail time, so if you’re called to court for this reason, you must take it seriously and get legal advice as soon as possible.
If you’re unsure why you’ve been called to court or what to expect, getting expert legal advice can help you navigate the process with confidence. At Lawtons, we’re here to provide clear, professional guidance so you can handle your situation in the best possible way. Contact us today.
