Guildford Magistrates Court

What is the address for Guildford Magistrates Court?

Guildford Magistrates Court
Mary Road
Guildford
GU1 4PS

What are the opening times for Guildford Magistrates Court?

The court is open from 9am until 4pm from Monday to Friday.

How can I contact Guildford Magistrates Court?

How do I contact Guildford Magistrates Court by email?

For general enquiries: su-guildfordmcadmin@justice.gov.uk

Also for enquiries: surreycivil@justice.gov.uk

For the crime customer service centre: contactcrime@justice.gov.uk

What is the phone number for Guildford Magistrates’ Court?

General enquiries: 01483 405 300

Crime customer service centre: 03308 084 407

Where can I park at Guildford Magistrates Court?

There are no parking facilities at the court but parking is available just a two minute walk away in Mary Road Car Park, 22 Mary Road, Guildford.

What sort of matters does Guildford Magistrates Court deal with?

Guildford Magistrates Courts deals with criminal and family areas of law. In regard to road traffic allegations, Guildford Magistrates Court covers alleged non imprisonable offences such as using a mobile phone while driving, speeding, or driving with no insurance. This court will also deal with imprisonable offences such as drink driving, dangerous driving, or failing to stop at the scene of an accident.

What should I bring to Guildford Magistrates Court?

To make things more straightforward and run smoothly for you, remember:

• Unfortunately, all too often your hearing may be delayed, so you may find that bringing some food and drink makes your wait more comfortable.  Voluntary Action South West Surrey volunteers used to run a tea bar from 9am until approx 12:30 serving packeted food, tea, coffee and cup a soup (helping raise funds for Woking hospice).  However, this appears to have been non-operational recently, so it may be better to bring your own refreshments with you.  You will be allowed to take in unopened drinks in cans or cartons, or drinks in a flask or cup with a lid but the bottles must be plastic not glass.  There may be a vending machine on the ground floor but it can never guaranteed to be fully operational.
• You should have your case number when you come to court which you will find on the letter that notified you of your hearing date and time. Having your case number will help find out where exactly your hearing will be taking place amongst all the different court rooms.
• If you intend to plead guilty then you should also bring with you any  character references you have in support of your case.

What should I wear at Guildford Magistrates Court?

Naturally, you will want to create a good impression with the magistrates during your hearing, so we would advise a smarter appearance rather than anything overly sporty or casual.

How long before my hearing should I arrive at Guildford Magistrates Court?

It is essential to arrive at least 30 minutes before the time of your hearing.  However, unless you are meeting with your solicitor, arriving too early may not be to your advantage because if the court is extremely busy you may be asked to leave and return later to prevent overcrowding and congestion.

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

Surprisingly often, a lot of cases will be scheduled to take place in the magistrates court at the same time.  Whilst the court should work on a “first in - first on” system, this is not always the procedure. You may have to wait a considerable length of time if the court happens to be very busy. The most sensible course of action is to put aside the entire day for your hearing and, although not always convenient, plan to take the day off from work and ensure arrangements are made to look after your children just in case there might be a long delay.

What happens when I arrive at Guildford Magistrates Court?

Every time you walk through the entrance into a court building you must go through security.  This often involves queueing which is another reason to give yourself extra time before your hearing is scheduled to begin.  It will be similar to airport security, so expect your pockets and luggage to be checked.  Things like scissors, metal cutlery, penknives, razors, knitting needles, or darts cannot be taken into the court, even though these things might seem innocent to you.  Be aware that alcohol, or any glass bottles for that matter, are banned.  Don’t bring any work tools. If you are getting a lift to court on a motorbike, then don’t attempt to bring in your crash helmet.  Don’t bring anything that could look like a gun (like a child’s toy) or even a full length umbrella.

You will need to hand over your bags and security will check your pockets; probably you will need to empty their contents onto a tray.  If you wear a religious or cultural item (for example a head covering) then this can be scanned so that you can keep this on. Then you will be asked to walk through a detector doorway, and be scanned by a handheld device.

If you have mistakenly brought anything to court which is not permitted, then staff will hold on to it and give you a receipt which you can use to get it back after your hearing has concluded.

Who will be at my hearing at Guildford Magistrates Court?

On arrival at the courtroom where your hearing is due to take place you should approach the court usher and tell them you have arrived and mention whether you are ready for your case to be heard.  If you are ready the usher will be able to give you a time estimate as to when your hearing will take place.  You will recognise the court usher as the person wearing a long black gown.  There are normally three magistrates in the court.  They have a legal advisor to assist them.  There will be a prosecutor, and of course, your own solicitor, should you have one, to help with your defence.

What will be the court procedure at Guildford Magistrates Court?

For a good explanation of what happens during a typical hearing, you can read the following article by Speeding Law Solicitors  by clicking this link: What happens in a Magistrates Court hearing for a speeding allegation?

If you are appearing in court for a trial and there are witnesses in support of your case that are known to you, you should encourage them also to arrive punctually. 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 until they are called in by the usher.  During the trial when you, your witnesses or the prosecution witnesses give evidence they will have to take the oath or affirm.  Taking the oath is when you swear to tell the truth on the holy book of your religion.  You can also ‘affirm’ if you prefer, which means promising to tell the truth in a formal, non-religious declaration.

Am I allowed to bring someone for moral support to Guildford Magistrates Court?

Going to court can be very daunting.  You will be allowed to bring a family member or a friend.  Bear in mind, that if you bring many more people they might not be allowed to come into the courtroom with you.  Remind your friends or family members that they will be expected to stand up when a magistrate is about to enter the court; you will hear “All rise” as the signal to do this.  They can sit down again when the magistrates have come in and taken their seats.  Neither you, nor your friends or family, can take photos or videos in the courtroom, and remember to put your phones on silent.

Can I bring children to Guildford Magistrates Court?

Please note that court staff will definitely not look after your children while you are in a hearing which is why you should make childcare arrangements.  However, the court building is breastfeeding friendly and milk expressing is allowed.  If you prefer to do this in private then you will be allowed access to a space to do this and it might be a good idea to let the court know beforehand so that they can help put arrangements in place as they may be able to designate a special room for you.

What support is there for the disabled at Guildford Magistrates Court?

If you have a disability and need any extra support, you can arrange ramps, accessible toilets, a hearing loop, large printing on forms, etc, by contacting the court before the hearing date.

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

A solicitor is extremely helpful when representing you during the hearing.  Having a professional at your side to help you achieve a good result will not only reduce stress and anxiety, but is invaluable when dealing with the legal points which invariably 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 experts in the field of motoring law 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: Should I Use A Solicitor At My Motoring Offence Court Hearing?