If you have never been to Court before you might not know what to expect. This part of the website will help you familiarise yourself with court procedures and the role of victims and witnesses.

When a crime is reported, Norfolk Constabulary appoints an officer to investigate the matter. As part of that investigation, statements will be taken and once evidence is available people may be arrested and interviewed. If there is sufficient evidence the Defendant will be charged with an offence and attend Court.

Once someone has been charged you will be contacted by a member of staff at one of the Witness Care Units (not guilty cases) or Witness Support Teams (guilty cases) who will keep you updated with proceedings.

All cases, no matter how serious, start in the Magistrates Court. From there, certain categories of serious crime (known as Indictable offences) are automatically sent to the Crown court to be dealt with.

There are also offences that can only be dealt with in the Magistrates Court (known as Summary offences) and offences which depending on their level of seriousness can be dealt with either in the Magistrates Court or sent to the Crown Court (known as Either Way offences). The vast majority of cases are dealt with in the Magistrates Court.

Please note that all visitors to both the Magistrates' Courts and Crown Court are subject to the same security checks, and this includes both victims and witnesses of crime. These are simply routine checks to ensure the safety of all in the Court building.

 

Court locations in Norfolk

Norwich Crown Court The Law Courts Bishopgate Norwich NR3 1UR 01603 728200	Norwich Magistrates Court Bishopgate Norwich NR3 1UP 01603 632421
Thetford Magistrates Court The Court House Old Bury Road Thetford Norfolk IP24 3AQ 01553 770120	Cromer Magistrates Court The Court House Holt Road Cromer Norfolk NR27 9EB 01493 849800
King's Lynn Magistrates Court The Courthouse College Lane King's Lynn Norfolk England PE30 1PQ 01553 770120	King's Lynn Crown Court The Court House College Lane King's Lynn Norfolk England PE30 1PQ 01553 760847
Swaffham Magistrates Court The Courthouse Westacre Road Swaffham Norfolk England PE37 7NH 01553 770120	Great Yarmouth Magistrates Court Magistrates' Courthouse North Quay Great Yarmouth Norfolk England NR30 1PW 01493 849800

 

Witness Service

The Witness Service can help you in court on the day of the trial they can support you on the following:-

• Where you can find help about giving evidence
• Where you will give evidence; the formation of all courts
• Who is in the courtroom
• What happens before and during court, including Special measures
• Support available during the trial

The Witness Service Going to Court Leaflet (PDF, 304KB) produced by Victim Support provides details on what the Witness Service can offer those who are attending court.

 

Norwich Witness Service - 01603 632299 and for Crown Court - 01603 766289

Great Yarmouth Witness Service (also covering Cromer) - 01493 854962

Kings Lynn Witness Service (covering Swaffham and Thetford) - 01553 777083