I have been charged with a public order offence. Do I have to go to court?

• It depends whether you have been issued with an on-the-spot fine or if you have been charged.
• If you have been issued with an on-the-spot fine:
  • You can simply pay the fine and that will be the end of the matter.
  • If you disagree with the fine then you can elect (choose) to go to court.
• If you have been charged with a public order offence:
  • you need to attend court to answer the charge;
  • for less serious offences there may be an option where you can elect to have the matter dealt with in your absence (without you). If you want to do this then you will need to fill in the form and return it to the court before the date your case is listed;
  • if you choose not to attend court this means you will not have a chance to tell the court your side of the story; and
  • if this option is not available then you must attend court to answer the charge. If you do not attend court then a warrant may be issued for your arrest.
• If you have been charged with a public order offence a specialist criminal lawyer can assist you. You can look for one near you in our free Find a Lawyer directory.