Criminal prosecutions are commenced by way of a charge. A charge may be given to you at the time you are arrested or served on you by way of summons. Usually the police will come to you place of residence and hand you the summons.
The charge sheet sets out the offences you allegedly committed and what section of which Act you are being charged under. The charge sheet will also set out the name and station of the informant who is usually the arresting officer.
Similarly, the police may decide to deal with a traffic offence by issuing a summons. See Traffic Accidents If you fail to attend court in answer to this type of summons, the matter may be heard in your absence (ex parte) This is because most traffic offences are summary offences (less serious) and do not require the consent of the defendant before the hearing of the offence proceeds.
If you receive a summons to attend court you should make an appointment with the Legal Service at your earliest convenience.
Understanding your legal rights and liabilities and the court process can be complicated and intimidating without working knowledge of the legal system. If you have received advice from the Legal Service and it has been agreed that the matter is fairly straight forward you may be able to prepare your own case and represent yourself in court.
