Criminal justice proceedings

The information in these guides covers what may happen at court, bail and sentencing, and how you can make a victim impact statement or join the Victim Notification Scheme.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS)

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COPFS are responsible for collecting information and evidence relating to criminal investigations. This guide will provide more information on them and their role in your case.

Victim impact statement

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Victim impact statements are written or oral pieces of information from crime victims in their own words about how the crime has affected them.

Preliminary charges and precognition investigation

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This guide provides information on preliminary charges, the initial charges that an accused person faces.

Bail

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This guide discusses the accused's legal right to request bail.

Preliminary hearing

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A preliminary hearing is used to make sure that the defence and the prosecution are ready for the case to go to trial.

The trial

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This guide will give you information about what to expect during the trial.

Sentencing

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Sentencing will only be certain when it has been passed by the judge, but this guide will help you to understand the language and processes around sentencing.

After sentencing

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This guide gives you information about what will happen after the accused has been sentenced.

Victim Notification Scheme

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Some members of the family will be entitled to join the Victim Notification Scheme. This guide gives information about eligibility and joining the scheme.