Basingstoke Magistrates Court

What is Basingstoke Magistrates Court’s address?

Basingstoke Magistrates Court
The Court House
London Road
Basingstoke  RG21 4AB

What sort of offences does Basingstoke Magistrates Court deal with?

All Magistrates Courts deal with a wide a wide range of alleged offences. These could be non imprisonable offences such as speeding, careless driving, using a mobile phone while driving, or driving with no insurance. The court will also deal with imprisonable offences such as dangerous driving, drink driving, or failing to stop at the scene of an accident.

What should you bring to Basingstoke Magistrates Court?

You should bring the following:

• The letter that notifies you of your hearing date and time. This letter will have your case number. The case number will help you work out which court room your hearing will take place in.
• Any documents that you need to help you with your hearing. These may include the prosecution witness statements if you have a trial or character references if you are pleading guilty.
• Some food and drink (because not all court buildings have refreshments). You should not come to court with any glass and the only liquids allowed are non-alcoholic drinks or hand sanitiser.

What should you wear at Basingstoke Magistrates Court?

There are no fixed rules about what should be worn however the magistrates normally appreciate it if you look as if you have made an effort.

When should I arrive at Basingstoke Magistrates Court?

You are strongly advised to arrive 30 minutes before the time mentioned in your letter notifying you of your hearing time. If you arrive earlier you may be turned away especially if the court is unusually busy.

How long may I have to wait at Basingstoke Magistrates Court?

Normally, many case are listed to take place at the same time as yours.  Often the court will work on a “first come, first served basis” but this isn’t always the case.  If the court is busy your hearing may be substantially delayed. It is best if you make sure that you are available for the entire day in case your matter is put back. You may therefore need to notify your employer or organise childcare in advance.

What happens when I arrive at Basingstoke Magistrates Court?

When you walk through the entrance into the court building you will have to go through airport like security with your pockets and luggage being checked.  This will normally involve:

• passing your bag over for it to be inspected
• putting the contents of your pockets into a tray
• removing your shoes, coat, gloves, hat or belt
• passing through an archway detector
• being scanned with a handheld scanner

Sometimes you could be requested to leave certain items with the security staff – don’t worry, you’ll get them back when it is time to leave.

Who will be at my hearing at Basingstoke Magistrates Court?

In the court room at your hearing there will normally be three magistrates, their legal advisor, a prosecutor and an usher.  When you arrive at the court room you should notify the usher.

If I am accused of speeding at Basingstoke Magistrates Court what will be the court procedure?

For detailed information on court procedure see the following article: What happens in a Magistrates Court Hearing for a speeding allegation?

Am I allowed to bring anyone with me to Basingstoke Magistrates Court?

If you need moral support there is no problem with you bringing one or two family members, or a few friends.  If you bring many more people the magistrates may object to them entering the court room if they are not involved in your case.

The court doesn’t have any childcare facilities and the court staff cannot look after your child while your hearing is taking place.

If you are attending for a trial make sure that the witnesses in support of your case also arrive on time.  Bear in mind that these witnesses are not allowed to be present in the court room at the start of the trial and will have to wait outside the court room to be called in by the usher.

What are the opening times for Basingstoke Magistrates Court?

The court is open from 9am till 4.30pm from Monday to Friday.
Telephone enquiries can be made from Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm.

How can I contact Basingstoke Magistrates Court?

The court’s email addresses are:-

For general enquiries:  

ha.basmags@justice.gov.uk

For the crime customer service centre:    

contactcrime@justice.gov.uk

Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court’s telephone numbers are:

General enquiries:  01256 318 200

Crime customer service centre: 03308 084 407

Can I park at Basingstoke Magistrates Court?

There are no parking facilities at the court but parking is available within 500 meters from the court building.

Is it necessary to have a solicitor at my hearing at Basingstoke Magistrates Court?

It is a good idea to have a solicitor to represent you during the hearing.  They can explain to you what is taking place and help you secure a good result. They also will deal with the frequent legal points that arise during a hearing.  At the very least you should talk to a solicitor before your hearing takes place so that they can give you helpful tips. If your offence is serious and there is a likelihood of a prison sentence if you are found, or plead, guilty, and if you don’t earn too much, then your solicitor’s fee may be able to be covered through legal aid.  However, for less serious matters, such as most motoring offences, where there is no danger of a prison sentence, you will need to pay for a solicitor.  Speeding Law Solicitors are motoring law experts and offer reasonable rates on a fixed fee basis so that you know financially exactly where you stand. Call their founding solicitor, Philip Hatvany, now on Freephone 0800 9098110 for free initial advice.

If you are still undecided as to whether you should instruct a solicitor, the following article may be useful: Do I Need A Solicitor At My Court Hearing For A Motoring Offence?