Folkestone Magistrates’ Court Listings

About Folkestone Magistrates' Court

Folkestone Magistrates' Court is located at The Law Courts, Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2DH. Serving the Folkestone and Hythe district in southeast Kent, this court handles a wide range of summary criminal offences and cases dealt with under the Single Justice Procedure. It operates as part of the Kent Magistrates' Courts cluster managed by His Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS). Cases that are too serious or complex for this court are typically committed to Canterbury Crown Court for trial or sentencing. The court building includes two courtrooms and four interview rooms, making it a key venue for the local justice system in east Kent.

Types of Cases Heard at Folkestone Magistrates' Court

Folkestone Magistrates' Court regularly hears first hearings, plea hearings, sentencing, case management hearings, and reviews. Common offences dealt with here include drink driving, drug driving, assault, theft, public order offences, motoring violations, and breaches of community orders. Single Justice Procedure cases — typically involving non-imprisonable offences such as TV licence evasion, minor road traffic matters, and council tax non-payment — are also processed through this court. Either-way offences, which can be tried at magistrates' or Crown Court level, receive their initial hearing at Folkestone before a decision is made on allocation.

Opening Hours and Contact Details

The court is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, with the public counter available from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. For general magistrates' court enquiries, the Courts and Tribunals Service Centre can be reached on 03308 084 407 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm; Saturday, 8:00 am to 2:00 pm). Local administrative queries should be directed to [email protected]. For Single Justice Procedure case queries, contact the Single Justice Service Centre on 0300 303 0656 or email [email protected]. The Witness Service can be reached on 0300 332 1000 for support before, during, and after a court appearance.

Getting to Folkestone Magistrates' Court

Folkestone Magistrates' Court sits on Castle Hill Avenue, close to Folkestone town centre. There is no public parking at the court itself, but pay-and-display car parks are located nearby, including the Castle Hill Avenue Civic Centre Car Park, which is directly adjacent to the building. Folkestone Central railway station is approximately a 7-minute walk north of the court, offering regular services along the South Eastern Main Line to London, Ashford International, and Dover. Several bus routes serve the area, with the nearest stop at Civic Centre, Folkestone — roughly a 3-minute walk from the court entrance. Bus routes 10, 16, and 104 all stop here. For those travelling by car from further afield, the M20 motorway provides direct access to Folkestone via Junction 13.

Accessibility and Building Facilities

The court building offers step-free access via a ramp at the entrance, a lift to the first floor, and level access into all courtrooms and hearing rooms. Hearing enhancement facilities are available by prior arrangement — contact the court office by phone or email to request this. Assistance dogs are welcome, and Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyards are available on request. Baby changing facilities are located in the accessible toilets on the first floor. Video conferencing and prison-to-court video link facilities are available by prior arrangement for witnesses, solicitors, and defendants in custody. Refreshments are available within the building.

Folkestone Court Listings — Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check today's court listings for Folkestone?

Daily hearing lists for Folkestone Magistrates' Court are published on this page. Lists are typically available by the afternoon before the hearing date and are updated throughout the day. If a specific listing has not appeared by 5:00 pm, contact the court directly.

Can I attend a hearing at Folkestone Magistrates' Court?

Most hearings at Folkestone Magistrates' Court are open to the public unless specific reporting restrictions apply. You can attend in person by arriving at Castle Hill Avenue during court hours. Remote hearings may require prior arrangement with the court.

Which other courts serve the east Kent area?

Folkestone Magistrates' Court works alongside other Kent magistrates' courts, including Margate Magistrates' Court, which shares the same administrative team and contact details. Both courts fall under the Kent Magistrates' Courts cluster and handle cases from the wider east Kent region.