Single Justice Procedure Notices

If you have been charged with a minor criminal offence, you may be able to have your case decided by a magistrate without going to court. This is known as the ‘single justice procedure’. 

If this applies to you, you will get a single justice procedure notice when you are charged.  

A magistrate will make a decision on your case without your say if you do not respond to your notice within 21 days. You could be found guilty or fined. 

How to respond to your notice 

Your notice will tell you who has brought the case against you (for example, the police or TV Licensing), how to make a plea, and if you can make a plea online.

When you respond you will need to say whether you plead guilty or not guilty.  

Plead guilty 

You can choose if you want to go to court or not. 

If you do not go to court, the magistrate will make a decision based on the information they have. You will get a letter with the magistrate’s decision. 

You can go to court if you want to give information to the magistrates in person. You will get a letter telling you when to go to court.  

Plead not guilty

You have to go to court and give information to the magistrates in person. You will get a letter telling you when to go to court. 

If you do not respond to the single justice procedure notice 

If you do not respond to the notice within 21 days, the magistrate will make a decision about your case without your say. 

This could mean that if you are found guilty and sentenced, there will be no reduced sentence for a guilty plea. Your fine or penalty points may also be higher. Money may be taken from your pay or benefits. 

If you need help with your notice you can get legal advice.   

Additional information on single justice procedure notices can be found on GOV.UK's website.