Magistrates Fourth

York Magistrates' Court

York Magistrates' Court and Family Court. Deals with: Children, Crime, Single justice procedure

North East
Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5pm
All Courts

General Info

  • NameYork
  • TypeMagistrates
  • TierFourth
  • RegionNorth East
  • Opening TimesMonday to Friday 9:30am to 5pm

Facilities & Accessibility

  • Disabled AccessDisabled Access to Ground floor Courtrooms via lift to the rear of the building. Please notify the Court of your attendance in advance as the lift req
  • Hearing LoopThe building has a portable hearing enhancement system available by prior arrangement. Please contact the court by telephone or email to let us know o
  • Interview RoomsThere are 5 private interview rooms available.
  • Video FacilitiesCourt/hearing room video conferencing facilities and prison to court video link facilities are available (by prior arrangement)

Going to York 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 9:30am to 5pm. 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

Law Courts Clifford Street, York, YO1 9RE. Use the directions link above for travel and parking. Accessibility: Disabled Access to Ground floor Courtrooms via lift to the rear of the building. Please notify the Court of your attendance in advance as the lift req.

General guidance only — not legal advice. Always check official instructions on your court letter and at GOV.UK.

York Magistrates' Court listings today & tomorrow

Daily hearing lists for York 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?

York Magistrates' Court: common questions

What time does York Magistrates' Court open?

York Magistrates' Court is open Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5pm. 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 York 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 York Magistrates' Court
What is the phone number for York Magistrates' Court?

The enquiries number for York Magistrates' Court is 0330 808 4407. You can also email [email protected]. For anything about your own case, contact your solicitor first.

Where is York Magistrates' Court?

York Magistrates' Court is at Law Courts Clifford Street, York, YO1 9RE.

Get directions
Is York Magistrates' Court accessible?

Disabled Access to Ground floor Courtrooms via lift to the rear of the building. Please notify the Court of your attendance in advance as the lift req. Hearing loop: The building has a portable hearing enhancement system available by prior arrangement. Please contact the court by telephone or email to let us know o. If you need an adjustment for your hearing, tell the court in advance using the contact details above.

Can I take my phone into York 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 York 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 York 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 York
Can members of the public watch a hearing at York 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.