Printable checklist
Criminal court process checklist
Key dates, documents to prepare, and stage-by-stage actions for victims and witnesses in a domestic abuse prosecution.
This is information, not legal advice. Timescales vary by police force, CPS area, and court. Always check dates with your Witness Care officer, ISVA/IDVA, or solicitor.
Key dates timeline
| Stage | When | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Report to police | Day 0 | Get a crime reference number, request a DASH risk assessment and consider MARAC referral. |
| Investigation | Days–weeks | Provide ABE-recorded video statement, medical evidence, and any digital evidence (texts, calls, CCTV). |
| Charging decision | Weeks–months | CPS reviews the file. You have a right to be told the outcome and to request a Victims' Right to Review if no charge. |
| First hearing (Magistrates') | ~1–4 weeks after charge | Bail conditions set. Request non-contact and exclusion zones. Confirm special measures. |
| Plea & case management | 4–8 weeks | Defendant enters plea. If not guilty, trial date is set — Magistrates' or Crown Court. |
| Pre-trial | Weeks before trial | Court familiarisation visit, meet the prosecutor, confirm screens/video link, review your statement. |
| Trial | 3–12 months after charge | Give evidence using special measures. Verdict delivered. Restraining order can be made even on acquittal. |
| Sentence & after | Same day or later | Note sentence, restraining order terms, licence conditions. Register for Victim Contact Scheme if eligible. |
Stage-by-stage actions
Stage 01
Reporting & first response
- Crime reference number and officer's name, collar number, and station.
- DASH risk assessment score, if shared with you.
- Details of any immediate protective measures (police bail conditions, DVPN/DVPO).
- Photos of injuries and the scene, taken as soon as it is safe.
- Names and contact details of any witnesses.
Stage 02
Investigation
- ABE (Achieving Best Evidence) video interview date and a copy request.
- Medical records, 999 call logs, body-worn footage requests.
- Digital evidence: screenshots of texts, call logs, social media, location data.
- Third-party evidence: GP, A&E, refuge, employer, school.
- Your ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Advocate) or IDVA contact details.
Stage 03
Charging & bail
- CPS charging decision in writing.
- If no charge: Victims' Right to Review deadline (usually 10 working days from being told).
- Bail conditions in writing — non-contact, exclusion zone, surrender of passport.
- How to report a bail breach (999 for immediate risk, 101 otherwise).
Stage 04
First hearing & special measures
- Special measures request submitted (screens, live link, pre-recorded evidence, removal of wigs and gowns, intermediary).
- Confirmation which court will hear the trial (Magistrates' or Crown).
- Contact details for the Witness Care Unit assigned to you.
- Your Victim Personal Statement — first draft, ready to update before sentencing.
Stage 05
Pre-trial preparation
- Court familiarisation visit booked through Witness Service.
- Re-read your ABE statement before giving evidence (you are allowed to).
- Confirmed transport, safe entrance, and separate waiting area on the day.
- Support person (ISVA/IDVA/Witness Service volunteer) confirmed to attend.
- Any updates to your Victim Personal Statement.
Stage 06
Trial day
- ID, court address, and the case URN with you.
- Water, tissues, quiet activity for waiting — trials often overrun.
- Special measures confirmed on arrival with the usher.
- Notes from the day: who spoke, what was said, how you felt (helpful for appeal or civil case).
Stage 07
Sentence & after
- Sentence in writing, including any restraining order and its exact terms.
- Licence conditions if a custodial sentence is passed.
- Registration with the Victim Contact Scheme (offenders sentenced to 12+ months for a violent/sexual offence).
- Compensation order details and how it will be paid.
- Log every breach of a restraining order — report to police immediately (999 if in danger).
- Appeal deadlines: prosecution appeals and unduly lenient sentence referrals are tight — usually 28 days.
Documents to gather
You may not need every item, but having them ready makes the process easier and safer.
- Crime reference number and officer contact details
- Copy of your ABE video statement (request via police)
- Medical records, GP notes, A&E discharge letters
- Photographs of injuries, damage, and the scene
- 999 / 101 call logs and body-worn footage
- Texts, emails, voicemails, social media screenshots
- Bank statements if financial control or theft is alleged
- Witness statements and contact details
- Bail notice and any variations
- Charge sheet and case URN
- Special measures decision letter
- Restraining order (interim and final)
- Victim Personal Statement (draft and final)
Safety & support at court
- Special measures requested and confirmed in writing before the trial date.
- Separate entrance, waiting room, and exit arranged with the Witness Service.
- ISVA / IDVA / Witness Service supporter booked for every hearing you attend.
- Someone trusted knows the court date and expected finish time.
- A safe route home and a place to go if you feel shaken afterwards.
- Bail conditions and any restraining order saved somewhere you can show police quickly.
- Your evidence journal stored privately, not on a shared device or cloud account the abuser can access.
Before you print or save
- Only print this if it is safe to have a paper copy. If you share a printer, consider saving as PDF to a private device instead.
- Clear your browser history after viewing if you are using a shared or monitored device.
- Keep bail notices, restraining orders and your Victim Personal Statement somewhere secure, with copies in a second safe location if you can.