To leave the page quickly, press the escape key.

Information

You appear to be using an unsupported browser, and it may not be able to display this site properly. You may wish to upgrade your browser.

If you're called as a witness

A criminal court case is the legal action at court that decides matters involving crime.

The judge – or jury if there is one – will hear all the evidence and will reach a verdict about whether an accused person is guilty or not. If an accused person is found guilty, the judge, sheriff or magistrate will make a decision about any sentence or punishment.

If you're to give evidence in a criminal court case as a witness, you'll get an official letter – called a 'citation' – by either:

  • the Procurator Fiscal – the lawyer who works for the prosecution

  • a defence lawyer – the lawyer who represents the accused person

Find out about being a witness at court.

Back to top