Court can feel overwhelming, especially the first time – here’s a plain-English guide to how it works in Northern Ireland, and how to get help paying for a solicitor.
Who prosecutes. Criminal cases in Northern Ireland are brought by the Public Prosecution Service (PPS), not the police directly – broadly similar in role to the CPS in England & Wales.
Which court? Northern Ireland has a simpler two-tier system than England & Wales or Scotland:
- Magistrates’ Courts – deal with less serious criminal cases, along with cases involving juveniles, and some civil and family matters.
- The Crown Court – deals with all serious criminal cases, and has greater sentencing powers.
Beyond these, the Court of Appeal hears appeals on points of law in criminal cases from the courts below.
Legal aid. Criminal legal aid in Northern Ireland works a little differently to England & Wales and Scotland – it’s applied for directly to the Court itself, rather than through a separate legal aid board. The court looks at your financial circumstances and whether it’s in the interests of justice to grant aid. A solicitor can advise on whether you’re likely to qualify, but the formal application goes to the court. It covers representation by a solicitor, and sometimes a barrister, in the Magistrates’ Court, Crown Court and Court of Appeal.
If you’re not sure where to start, a solicitor experienced in criminal legal aid cases can talk you through what to expect and help with the application.