Brighton Magistrates' Court

Brighton Magistrates' Court is open Monday to Friday 8:45am to 5pm. Saturday and Bank holiday open from 8:30am until court finishes.. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your hearing time to get through security and find your courtroom.

Check the daily court list. It is published by HM Courts & Tribunals Service the working day before and shows each case by courtroom, time and case reference. On the day, the same list is displayed on screens inside the building and ushers can direct you. Cases are sometimes moved between courtrooms at short notice, so check again when you arrive.

The enquiries number for Brighton Magistrates' Court is 03308 084 407. You can also email [email protected]. For anything about your own case, contact your solicitor first.

Brighton Magistrates' Court is at The Law Courts Edward Street, Brighton, BN2 0LG.

Paid street parking for restricted hours is available. This court is on several bus routes which are 5 minutes’ walk away. Blue badge parking is available on John Street. Allow extra time if you are driving; public car parks near courts fill up early on sitting days.

Access is on John Street via ramp with an incline to the building. Access is restricted in this building. Please ring to discuss your needs with a mem. Hearing loop: .. If you need an adjustment for your hearing, tell the court in advance using the contact details above.

Yes. Phones go through the security scanner on the way in and must be switched off or silent inside the courtroom. Recording, photographing or filming anything inside a court building is a criminal offence. Some courts ask you to hand phones in at the public gallery door for certain trials.

Photo ID, any letter or paperwork about your case, and the name of your solicitor or barrister if you have one. Dress smartly. Allow time for security: bags are searched and sharp objects, glass and aerosols are not allowed in.

You can represent yourself in the magistrates' court, but for any charge that could carry a prison sentence most people use a solicitor. A duty solicitor is available at court for first hearings in many cases, and legal aid depends on the seriousness of the charge and your income. Contact a criminal defence firm before your hearing if you can.

Yes. Almost all magistrates' court hearings are open to the public and there is a public gallery in each courtroom. You do not need to book. Youth court hearings and some family matters are private. and the usher will tell you if you cannot enter.