Folkestone Magistrates' Court
Folkestone Magistrates' Court. Deals with: Crime, Single justice procedure
General Info
- NameFolkestone
- TypeMagistrates
- TierFourth
- RegionSouth East
- Opening TimesMonday to Friday 9:00am to 4pm
Contact Info
- AddressThe Law Courts Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone, CT20 2DH
- Phone03308 084 407
- Fax0870 739 5848
- Enquiries Email[email protected]
Facilities & Accessibility
- Disabled AccessThis building has a ramp to the building entrance, a lift between the ground floor and the first floor, and level access into court rooms and hearing
- Hearing LoopThe building has hearing enhancement facilities available by prior arrangement. Please contact the Court office by telephone or email if necessary.
- Interview Rooms4 interview rooms are available on the first floor
- Video FacilitiesCourt/hearing room video conferencing facilities and prison to court video link facilities are available (by prior arrangement). Video link can be use
Going to Folkestone 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 Monday to Friday 9:00am to 4pm. 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
The Law Courts Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone, CT20 2DH. Use the directions link above for travel and parking. Accessibility: This building has a ramp to the building entrance, a lift between the ground floor and the first floor, and level access into court rooms and hearing .
General guidance only — not legal advice. Always check official instructions on your court letter and at GOV.UK.
Folkestone Magistrates' Court listings today & tomorrow
Daily hearing lists for Folkestone 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?
Folkestone Magistrates' Court: common questions
What time does Folkestone Magistrates' Court open?
Folkestone Magistrates' Court is open Monday to Friday 9:00am to 4pm. Counter: 9:30am to 4pm. 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 Folkestone 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 Folkestone Magistrates' CourtWhat is the phone number for Folkestone Magistrates' Court?
The enquiries number for Folkestone Magistrates' Court is 03308 084 407. You can also email [email protected]. For anything about your own case, contact your solicitor first.
Where is Folkestone Magistrates' Court?
Folkestone Magistrates' Court is at The Law Courts Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone, CT20 2DH.
Get directionsIs Folkestone Magistrates' Court accessible?
This building has a ramp to the building entrance, a lift between the ground floor and the first floor, and level access into court rooms and hearing. Hearing loop: The building has hearing enhancement facilities available by prior arrangement. Please contact the Court office by telephone or email if necessary.. If you need an adjustment for your hearing, tell the court in advance using the contact details above.
Can I take my phone into Folkestone 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 Folkestone 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 Folkestone 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 FolkestoneCan members of the public watch a hearing at Folkestone 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.