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What is a single justice procedure?

A single justice procedure is used to deal with minor offences without the need for a defendant to go to court.

Defendants are given notices of the charges they face and asked for their plea, which can be made by post.

Those who plead guilty can choose whether to go to court and appear before a single magistrate, who will make a decision over sentence. Those who plead not guilty have to go to court to give evidence to the magistrate.

Defendants have 21 days to respond to notices and if they do not, a magistrate can make a decision without their involvement.

When used for driving offences, punishments usually result in fines and penalty points.

Source: Gov.uk

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