This guide is maintained as a current resource for July 2026 and covers only the laws of England and Wales. Information is for general guidance, not legal advice. Consult a qualified solicitor for advice specific to your situation.
Comprehensive guide explaining what happens after being charged with robbery offences in England and Wales, including court procedures, bail and custody, Crown Court trials, possible outcomes, rights of defendants and victims, and practical guidance through the criminal justice system.
Being charged with a robbery offence in England and Wales is a serious legal matter with significant consequences. Robbery is defined in section 8 of the Theft Act 1968 as stealing property while using force or putting someone in fear of force to complete the theft. Because it involves violence or threats of immediate harm, robbery is treated as a violent and indictable‑only offence, meaning it is automatically dealt with in the Crown Court rather than the Magistrates' Court.
This comprehensive guide explains what happens from the point of charge through to the conclusion of the case, outlining court procedures, bail decisions, trial preparation, sentencing possibilities, rights of defendants and victims, and common practical questions that may arise.
What It Means to Be Charged With Robbery
Once charged, the person becomes a defendant in the criminal justice system. A charge means police, often in conjunction with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), believe there is sufficient evidence to prosecute. Robbery is inherently a serious offence because it involves theft combined with force or the threat of force. This places it among crimes that the courts treat with priority and severity.
Immediate Steps After Charge
Court Appearance and First Hearing
After charge, the defendant must appear before the Magistrates' Court for a first hearing. This initial hearing confirms:
- The identity of the defendant;
- The charges being brought;
- Whether the defendant should be released on bail or remanded in custody.
Even though robbery is an indictable offence, the first procedural hearing still starts in the Magistrates' Court. From there, the court will send the case to the Crown Court for more detailed proceedings and trial, as robbery cannot be concluded in a magistrates' court due to its seriousness.
Bail, Remand and Custody Decisions
Bail Considerations
At the first court appearance, the court must decide whether the defendant should be released on bail pending further proceedings. Bail decisions take into account:
- The seriousness of the offence;
- The defendant's previous convictions;
- Risk of interfering with witnesses or committing further offences;
- Likelihood of appearing at future hearings.
Bail may be granted with conditions such as reporting to a police station regularly or no contact with certain individuals. If bail is refused, the defendant will be remanded in custody until further hearings.
Transfer to Crown Court and Preparation
Crown Court Proceedings
Robbery is an indictable‑only offence, meaning it must be tried in the Crown Court before a judge and jury. The Crown Court handles serious cases where greater sentencing powers and jury decisions are necessary.
Once the case has been sent to Crown Court:
- A Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing (PTPH) will be scheduled.
- The defendant will be asked to enter a plea: guilty or not guilty.
- Disclosure of evidence by the prosecution to the defence must be completed, including witness statements, CCTV or forensic evidence relevant to the alleged robbery.
- The defence will review all material to prepare for trial and may raise legal issues or make representations about bail and evidential sufficiency.
At this stage, courts set timetables for trial and manage pre‑trial requests such as special measures or legal arguments about evidence.
The Trial
Jury Trial
If the defendant pleads not guilty, the case proceeds to a trial by jury. The prosecution must prove the elements of robbery - theft plus force or fear of force - beyond reasonable doubt. If the defendant is convicted, the judge will proceed to sentencing. If the jury returns a not guilty verdict, the defendant is acquitted and free from prosecution on that charge.
It is also possible for a trial to be scheduled months after the initial appearance, depending on court availability and case complexity. Statistics indicate robbery investigations and charge outcomes can take longer than many other offences, with average times to charging extending over several weeks due to the nature of gathering evidence.
Possible Outcomes
Conviction and Sentencing
If convicted of robbery, sentencing reflects the serious nature of the offence. Robbery carries significant penalties, including imprisonment, with very serious cases (especially involving weapons or injury) potentially resulting in long‑term custodial sentences. In the most extreme cases, life imprisonment remains a statutory option given the violent character of the offence.
Other ancillary orders or requirements may also be imposed, such as compensation orders for victims or criminal behaviour orders aimed at preventing future offending behaviour. These help manage risk after release and protect the public.
Not Guilty or Discontinuance
A not guilty verdict means the defendant is acquitted, and the prosecution cannot retry unless exceptional circumstances apply. The CPS can discontinue proceedings before trial if new evidence or ongoing review suggests the case cannot be proven beyond reasonable doubt. Prosecutors review cases continuously and may alter charges or drop them if the public interest or evidential basis changes.
Rights and Support
Rights of Defendants
Defendants have important rights throughout the process:
- The presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
- The right to legal representation (solicitors and barristers).
- The right to challenge evidence and full disclosure of prosecution material.
- The right to appeal convictions or sentences.
Professional legal advice is essential, particularly in serious indictable cases like robbery, to ensure fair treatment and effective defence strategy.
Support for Victims
Victims of robbery have rights under the Victims' Code, including information about court dates, access to support services, and updates on case progression. Victims may also make a Victim Personal Statement (VPS) outlining the impact of the crime, which the court may consider at sentencing.
Common Questions
How long will the process take?
Serious robbery cases can take months from charge to trial due to evidence preparation, disclosure obligations and court scheduling. Longer delays may occur with complex evidence or multiple co‑defendants.
Can charges change after being filed?
Yes. If new evidence emerges or it becomes clear that a charge does not reflect the conduct, prosecutors may amend charges, subject to legal standards and court approval.
Key Takeaways
After being charged with robbery offences in England and Wales, the criminal justice process involves an initial court appearance with bail or remand decisions, transfer to the Crown Court, disclosure and preparation, and a trial by judge and jury. The prosecution must prove robbery beyond reasonable doubt, and a conviction can result in significant imprisonment and other orders aimed at managing risk and compensating victims. Defendants and victims alike have clear legal rights at each stage, and understanding how the process unfolds helps set realistic expectations and highlights the importance of legal representation and support.
