What Evidence Should I Bring to Magistrates’ Court?

If you are due to appear in magistrates’ court, one of the most important steps in preparing your case is gathering the right evidence. Whether you are pleading guilty and want to explain your circumstances, or pleading not guilty and challenging the charge, your evidence will shape how the court views you and your case.

For guilty pleas, you may wish to bring documents that show your income, expenses, medical issues, character references, or anything else that might help explain your situation. These can influence how the magistrates sentence you, especially if they show genuine hardship, positive behaviour, or progress since the offence, which may reduce what sentencing outcome to expect.

For not guilty pleas, your evidence will be focused on challenging the prosecution case. This could include written statements, photos, receipts, messages, call logs, or any other material that supports your version of events. If someone is attending court as a witness for you, make sure they know the date, time, and importance of turning up. If you're unsure about this process, it's worth reviewing how to prepare for a trial in magistrates’ court.

All evidence must be relevant, clearly presented, and prepared ahead of time. The court is not the place to sort through your phone or emails while trying to explain something. If you're relying on documents, bring multiple printed copies — one for the court, one for the prosecutor, and one for yourself.

You should also bring a copy of your charge sheet and any letters from the court or CPS. If you are not represented by a solicitor, this information becomes even more important. Preparation shows respect for the process and gives you the best chance of being heard. If you're unsure about going it alone, you can consider whether you should represent yourself in magistrates’ court.

If you are unsure what evidence might help or how it will be received, Magistrate Review can help. We provide impartial, structured case reviews from a serving magistrate to help you present yourself clearly and effectively in court.

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