Chelmsford Magistrates' Court
Chelmsford Magistrates' Court and Family Court. Deals with: Children, Crime, Divorce, Domestic violence, Single justice procedure
General Info
- NameChelmsford
- TypeMagistrates
- TierFourth
- RegionSouth East
- Opening Times9am to close of court business
Contact Info
- Address10 New Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1NT
- Phone03308 084 407
- Enquiries Email[email protected]
Facilities & Accessibility
- Disabled AccessThis court has level access to the entrance of the building and all floors, lifts to all floors and easy access into courtrooms. There are also a numb
- Video FacilitiesCourt/hearing room video conferencing facilities and prison to court video link facilities are available (by prior arrangement)
- RefreshmentsRefreshments are available from vending machines.
Going to Chelmsford Magistrates' Court
When to arrive
Arrive at least 30 minutes before your hearing time to clear security and find your courtroom. The building is open 9am to close of court business. Check the daily court lists on arrival to confirm your courtroom number.
What to bring
Bring photo ID, any paperwork or letters about your case, and the name of your solicitor or barrister if you have one. Dress smartly. Phones must usually be switched off in the courtroom.
Do you need a lawyer?
You can represent yourself in the magistrates' court, but for anything that could lead to a prison sentence most people use a solicitor. The duty solicitor scheme covers many first hearings and you may be eligible for legal aid. See the legal help below or speak to a solicitor as early as possible.
Getting there
10 New Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1NT. Use the directions link above for travel and parking. Accessibility: This court has level access to the entrance of the building and all floors, lifts to all floors and easy access into courtrooms. There are also a numb.
General guidance only — not legal advice. Always check official instructions on your court letter and at GOV.UK.
Chelmsford Magistrates' Court listings today & tomorrow
Daily hearing lists for Chelmsford Magistrates' Court by courtroom, time and case reference, updated from official HM Courts & Tribunals Service sources through the sitting day.
Lists change at short notice. Always confirm your courtroom and time from the daily list on arrival. Free email alerts are available on the listings page. How busy is this court?
Chelmsford Magistrates' Court: common questions
What time does Chelmsford Magistrates' Court open?
Chelmsford Magistrates' Court is open 9am to close of court business. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your hearing time to get through security and find your courtroom.
How do I find out which courtroom my case is in at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court?
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.
See today's listings for Chelmsford Magistrates' CourtWhat is the phone number for Chelmsford Magistrates' Court?
The enquiries number for Chelmsford Magistrates' Court is 03308 084 407. You can also email [email protected]. For anything about your own case, contact your solicitor first.
Where is Chelmsford Magistrates' Court?
Chelmsford Magistrates' Court is at 10 New Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1NT.
Get directionsIs Chelmsford Magistrates' Court accessible?
This court has level access to the entrance of the building and all floors, lifts to all floors and easy access into courtrooms. There are also a numb. If you need an adjustment for your hearing, tell the court in advance using the contact details above.
Can I take my phone into Chelmsford Magistrates' Court?
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.
What should I bring to a hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court?
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.
Do I need a solicitor at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court?
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.
Criminal defence solicitors near ChelmsfordCan members of the public watch a hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court?
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.