Staines Magistrates’ Court Listings

About Staines Magistrates' Court and Family Court

Staines Magistrates' Court and Family Court is located at The Law Courts, Knowle Green, Staines-upon-Thames, TW18 1XH. Situated within the Borough of Spelthorne in Surrey, this court serves the communities of Staines-upon-Thames, Ashford, Sunbury-on-Thames, Shepperton, Stanwell, and the surrounding areas of north-west Surrey. The court falls within the South East region of England and Wales and operates under HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS). Postal correspondence should be directed to PO Box 36, The Law Courts, Mary Road, Guildford, GU1 4AS.

Cases Heard at Staines Magistrates' Court

Staines Magistrates' Court handles a broad range of criminal and civil matters. As a magistrates' court, it deals with summary offences such as minor assault, criminal damage, motoring offences, and public order offences. The court also hears early stages of either-way offences including theft, burglary, and drug possession, before determining whether cases should be committed to the Crown Court for trial. More serious indictable-only matters such as murder and robbery are sent directly to the Crown Court following an initial hearing at Staines.

In addition to its criminal jurisdiction, Staines operates as a Family Court. This means it handles private family law matters such as childcare arrangements following separation, divorce hearings, domestic abuse protection orders, and applications relating to children's welfare. The court also processes cases through the Single Justice Procedure, where a single magistrate deals with minor summary offences on paper without a full courtroom hearing.

Opening Hours and Contact Information

The court building is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and is closed on weekends and public holidays. Telephone enquiries can be made between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm on weekdays. For general magistrates' court enquiries, contact the Courts and Tribunals Service Centre on 0300 123 5577, available Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. For queries about a Single Justice Procedure case, call during Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Fines-related enquiries can be directed to 01622 680 070, and the Witness Service is reachable on 0300 332 1000. Written enquiries should be emailed to [email protected], and enforcement matters can be sent to [email protected]. If you have a disability and require assistance attending a hearing, contact 0330 808 4407 in advance to arrange support.

Getting to Staines Magistrates' Court

The court is well connected by public transport. Staines Railway Station, served by South Western Railway, is approximately a 10-minute walk from the courthouse. Trains run regularly from London Waterloo, Windsor, and Reading. Several bus routes stop at or near Knowle Green, including the 117, 290, 442, and X442 services. The nearest bus stop, Knowle Green, is just a 3-minute walk from the court entrance. For those driving, public parking is available at nearby locations including The Causeway (TW18 3AP), Bridge Street car park (TW18 4TG), and Pooley Green (TW20 0HB). Blue badge parking is available at the court for disabled visitors.

Facilities at the Court

Staines Magistrates' Court offers level access to the building entrance and all courtrooms, making it fully accessible for wheelchair users and those with mobility aids. The building includes disabled toilet facilities, baby-changing facilities, and hearing enhancement systems available by prior arrangement. Assistance dogs are welcome, and lanyards for those with non-visible disabilities are available on request. A tea bar operates every morning for refreshments, and vending machines are available throughout the day. Private consultation rooms are provided for discussions between defendants and their solicitors before hearings begin.

How to Check Your Staines Magistrates' Court Listing

Court listings for Staines Magistrates' Court are typically published by HMCTS by 4:00 pm the day before the scheduled hearing. Each listing includes the case reference, hearing type, courtroom allocation, and scheduled time. When attending court, you should arrive early, pass through security screening, and report to the reception desk to confirm your attendance. The usher will direct you to the appropriate waiting area or courtroom. If you are represented by a solicitor, inform the reception staff so that consultation time can be arranged beforehand. Defendants attending nearby courts can also check listings for Guildford Magistrates' Court or Uxbridge Magistrates' Court, which serve neighbouring areas of Surrey and west London respectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does Staines Magistrates' Court open?

The court building opens at 9:00 am and closes at 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday. It is closed on weekends and bank holidays.

What types of cases are heard at Staines Magistrates' Court?

The court hears criminal cases including summary and either-way offences, as well as family matters such as divorce, domestic abuse, and child arrangement cases through its Family Court function.

How do I get to Staines Magistrates' Court by train?

Staines Railway Station is the nearest station, around 10 minutes on foot from the court. South Western Railway operates regular services from London Waterloo, Reading, and Windsor.

Is there parking near Staines Magistrates' Court?

Yes. Public car parks are available nearby at The Causeway, Bridge Street, and Pooley Green. Blue badge parking is provided at the court building for disabled visitors.

How can I contact Staines Magistrates' Court?

For general enquiries, call the Courts and Tribunals Service Centre on 0300 123 5577 or email [email protected]. For enforcement queries, email [email protected].