What is Court Like?

Courts like or not are not meant to be warm friendly places. In Glasgow in particular they are exceptionally busy, delays for a variety of reasons are part and parcel of the whole process. if you have a trial diet or intermediate diet, an undertaking, or even an invitation warrant you MUST be there. Even for cited cases you must attend UNLESS you instruct us, or another lawyer, to go in your place. Warrants to arrest are taken in huge numbers every year.

The courts have become tired with delays and if an accused is not present then the first reaction is not to go out and find out if there’s some reason they haven’t attended – it is often to issue a warrant to have the police bring them. Even in the Justice Courts which are the lowest level of prosecution it is extremely common to see otherwise completely respectable people brought from the cells into the dock because they forgot to attend court for even minor matters like mobile phones and red lights. Airports are a rich picking ground for police officers with warrants. And don’t think because you’re going on holiday they will leave it till you get back.

Needless to say in the sheriff courts and above where matters are more serious then a failure to attend is a grave matter. So being there is important. Expect to be waiting in not very comfortable circumstances. Frankly, This can be an intimidating and confusing experience, unless you are represented by someone who can explain what is happening, and why things are happening. When the system is explained then people usually realise it is not personal and can relax.