Frequently Asked Questions

How is Magistrate Review different from a solicitor?
Magistrate Review offers a unique perspective that complements traditional legal advice — providing a realistic indication of both the likelihood of conviction and the probable sentence if found guilty, all from the viewpoint of a currently sitting magistrate.

While solicitors provide essential legal advice and representation (and we encourage clients to seek legal support where possible), our service focuses on judicial insight. We help you understand how magistrates are likely to interpret the facts, what kinds of arguments carry weight in court, how to structure your mitigation, and what procedural expectations you may face on the day.
It’s impartial, experience-based guidance designed to reduce uncertainty, sharpen your preparation, and help you present your case as clearly and effectively as possible.

Who is this service suitable for?
Magistrate Review is designed to support a wide range of UK clients, including:

• Unrepresented individuals who want guidance before attending court

• First-time defendants unfamiliar with the process

• Solicitors and legal professionals seeking judicial insight to complement case preparation

• Those unsure about plea, sentencing or what to expect on the day

• Family or friends submitting on behalf of a loved one

Whether you're attending alone or preparing a case professionally, our service offers a clear, impartial perspective from the bench to help guide your approach.

What questions can I ask as part of my review?
If you've purchased the Enhanced, Platinum, or Q&A service, you're invited to submit specific questions for us to address. You can ask anything relevant to your situation — for example:
• What factors might influence whether a sentence is suspended or immediate?
• Will my exceptional hardship reasons be strong enough?
• Am I likely to get bail — and if so, under what conditions?
• How might the bench respond to my explanation or version of events?
• Is my mitigation likely to carry real weight with the court?

We encourage meaningful, case-specific questions that give you a clearer idea of how to prepare and what to expect — directly from the perspective of those who will ultimately hear your case.

What format will my case review be delivered in?
You’ll receive a professionally written PDF document, clearly structured in sections. It includes a summary of your case, commentary on strengths and weaknesses, likely outcomes, and practical guidance based on your submitted documents and questions.

Is this legal advice?
No. We do not provide legal advice or representation. Our service offers independent opinion and insight based on judicial experience, designed to help you better understand your position before court.

Who writes the review?
Every review is written by a currently sitting criminal magistrate, with no exceptions. We don’t use AI, templates, or recycled wording. Each report is uniquely crafted based on the case materials you provide. While we don’t share individual names to preserve judicial independence and privacy, all insight comes directly from experienced magistrates who routinely hear and decide real cases in court.

Will you tell me how to plead?
We may comment on how a particular plea may be viewed by the court, based on the information you provide — especially if you ask for that insight. However, all clients retain full responsibility for their own plea. We do not instruct anyone to plead guilty or not guilty, and any comments on pleas should be seen as opinion, not direction.

Is this service the same as legal counsel or a barrister?
No. We do not offer legal representation or advice in the way a solicitor or barrister would. Instead, we provide judicial insight from the bench itself — the very people who will be deciding your case. Our service is typically faster, more affordable, and focused on how magistrates may interpret the facts, sentence, and overall presentation. Many clients find this perspective helps reduce uncertainty and improve their preparation alongside legal advice.

How do I submit my case details?
After purchasing your service, you'll need to complete our Case Submission Form.
You can find the link on the product page or click here: Submit Your Case
If you've purchased the IDPC review, please use this link instead.
We cannot begin your review until this form is received.

What is the standalone Q&A service?
Our Q&A service allows you to ask a specific question without submitting a full case for review. It’s ideal for defendants representing themselves or those simply seeking magistrate-level guidance on how the court may view a particular issue, how to present in court, or what to expect during proceedings. No documents are required — just your question, and we’ll respond with a clear, judicially informed answer.

Is my case information kept confidential?
Yes. Everything you submit is handled with complete discretion. We will never share your documents or information with any third party or authority, unless required by law. All data will be securely destroyed within 30 days of receipt.

What happens if the reviewer sees my case in court?
Magistrate reviewers are assigned cases from areas where they do not sit, reducing the chance of overlap. In the rare event a reviewer recognises your case on their own court list, they will immediately stand down. Magistrates are required to declare any conflict of interest and will never hear a case they’ve previously reviewed. Your confidentiality and judicial impartiality are fully protected at all times.

Can I use this service if I already have a solicitor?
Absolutely. Many legal professionals use our service to gain bench-level insight and support case strategy. Our reviews can complement your legal preparation by giving you an idea of how the court may view the case.

Do you offer refunds?
No. Due to the bespoke and time-sensitive nature of our service, all sales are final once work has begun. Please ensure you’re happy with your chosen package and that you’ve clarified any questions or concerns before making a purchase.

What if I forget to submit my case form?
Your case cannot be reviewed until we receive your submission. After purchase, please fill in the Case Submission Form immediately using the link provided on the product page or confirmation screen. We'll match your order using your email address.

Do your reviews ever disagree with what the court eventually decides?
Occasionally, yes — sentencing and conviction outcomes can vary depending on many factors, including new evidence, how things are said in court, or how credible a witness appears. Our reviews are always based on the materials submitted and provide a realistic, experience-based indication of how magistrates may view the case. They are not guarantees or predictions, but structured assessments to help you prepare more effectively.

Can you review Crown Court cases?
Our service is specifically designed for Magistrates' Court proceedings, including summary-only and either-way offences. We do not offer reviews for indictable-only matters or Crown Court trials. However, if your case started in the Magistrates’ Court and is being considered for committal or allocation, we may still be able to provide insight.

Can I request a fast turnaround?
Yes — a faster turnaround (e.g. within 24 hours) may be possible with prior approval. Please contact us before purchasing to confirm availability. An express fee may apply.

What if I have a different question about this service?
If your query isn’t covered in the FAQs, feel free to get in touch. You can contact us directly here, and a member of the team will get back to you as soon as possible. Please note we cannot answer case-specific questions unless a review service has been purchased.