Portsmouth Magistrates' Court

Portsmouth Magistrates' Court is open 8.30am to 5pm. Counter: Urgent enquiries only 9am to 4pm. 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 Portsmouth Magistrates' Court is 0330 808 4407. You can also email [email protected]. For anything about your own case, contact your solicitor first.

Portsmouth Magistrates' Court is at The Law Courts Winston Churchill Avenue, Portsmouth, PO1 2DQ. Document exchange: DX 98494 Portsmouth 5.

There are no parking facilities at this building, however, paid offsite parking is available within 100 yards in the Isambard Brunel Car Park. Allow extra time if you are driving; public car parks near courts fill up early on sitting days.

Disabled access and toilet facilities are available. Parking can be arranged by contacting the court Security in advance.. 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.

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.