The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) prosecutes criminal cases that have been investigated by the police and other investigative organisations in England and Wales. The CPS is independent, and we make our decisions independently of the police and government.
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What cases do Crown Court deal with?
The most serious offences, such as rape, murder or manslaughter, will be dealt with in the Crown Court. If you’ve experienced a crime, you may be asked to go to court to give evidence. Almost all criminal cases begin in a magistrates’ court.
Who is the Crown Prosecution Service accountable to?
The CPS is headed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The DPP is superintended by the Attorney General, who is accountable to Parliament for the service. The CPS is divided into 13 geographical areas, each led by a chief crown prosecutor (CCP).
Where are most cases dealt with CPS?
The CPS is responsible for prosecuting most cases heard in the criminal courts in England and Wales. It is led by the Director of Public Prosecutions and acts independently on criminal cases investigated by the police and other agencies.
What happens when CPS decide to charge?
If the CPS decides to proceed, the abuser will initially be taken to a Magistrates’ Court, after which (depending on the seriousness of the charge) he will either be remanded in custody or released on bail.
Why do cases go to CPS?
What cases do the CPS deal with? In all cases where the charging decision cannot be made by the police, it will be referred to the CPS for a charging decision. In cases where the charging decision has been made by the police, it will then be passed over to the CPS to conduct the prosecution.
Why does a case go to Crown Court?
The Crown Court deals mainly with appeals against conviction and/or sentence in respect of criminal offences dealt with in the Magistrates’ court, including orders such as disqualification from driving or Anti-Social Behaviour Orders.
Who finds you guilty in a Crown Court?
After listening to all the evidence in a case the District Judge or a jury, in a Crown Court, will decide on whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty. If the defendant is found guilty, the judge in the case will decide the sentence.
Can a crime go straight to Crown Court?
All cases start at the magistrates’ court, but at their first appearance defendants facing an indictable-only offence will be sent directly to the Crown Court.
What is the relationship between the police and Crown Prosecution Service?
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) prosecutes criminal cases that have been investigated by the police and other investigative organisations in England and Wales. The CPS is independent, and we make our decisions independently of the police and government.
Reference:
- https://www.cps.gov.uk/
- https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/crown-prosecution-service
- https://www.londonvws.org.uk/going-to-court
- https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/511360/work-with-crown-pros-service.pdf
- https://www.cps.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/publications/cps_2020.pdf
- https://saferfutures.org.uk/resources/police-and-the-cps/
- https://www.stuartmillersolicitors.co.uk/what-evidence-does-the-cps-need-to-charge/
- https://www.judiciary.uk/courts-and-tribunals/crown-court/
- https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/verdicts-and-sentencing
- https://www.defence-barrister.co.uk/which-court-will-i-go-to
- https://www.cps.gov.uk/about-cps
