Receiving a summons to Court can be a stressful experience but it is important to remain calm and take the necessary steps to address the situation. Please don’t ignore the summons - it will not make it go away and it will only add to your stress.
Whether the matter is a criminal issue, a civil lawsuit or any other legal matter, here are the key steps you should take if you find yourself on the receiving end of a summons.
1) Read the summons carefully.
Whether the summons has come to you unexpectedly or with your knowledge that it was coming, it is important to read the document carefully so that you have all the information on what you are facing. The summons will have important information such as the plaintiff or prosecutor's name, the address of the Court, the case number and the date and time of your court appearance. Make sure you understand the details and set a reminder for the date in your calendar.
2) Consult with a Solicitor.
One of the most important steps that you should take when you receive the summons is to consult with a Solicitor. They will provide you with advice and explain anything that you are not sure of. They can also help prepare you for your Court appearance or arrange to appear for you if the situation allows.
3) Respond within the deadline.
A summons will usually specify a deadline for a response. It is crucial to adhere to this deadline which is why it is so important not to ignore the summons. Failing to respond to a summons can have legal consequences which can make things more difficult for you as your case progresses.
4) Work with your Solicitor.
The time will come when you may need to gather evidence to support your case; Your Solicitor will lead you in this, so it is important to work with them and provide whatever is needed as quickly as possible. If you are contesting any allegations contained in the summons, you will work closely with your Solicitor to build a strong defence therefore being available for consultations, phone calls or other correspondence is essential. Keep the contact details your Solicitor has up to date! Remember that it is your case – a Solicitor can only act on instructions from you so if you do not engage with them, you are leaving yourself at a huge disadvantage.
5) Attend Court on the scheduled date.
Unless agreed with your Solicitor, it is essential that you attend Court on the scheduled date and time. Failing to appear can result in legal consequences such as a default judgement against you or a conviction in your absence. Dress appropriately and turn up on time but be prepared to wait as there can be a lot of cases to be heard in one day.
Receiving a summons to Court can be overwhelming but by following these steps you can be assured that you are providing yourself with the strongest possible foundation for your legal proceedings.
If you need any help with a summons or any legal proceedings at all give us a call on 02871 162169. Alternatively drop us an email at info@jqsolicitors.com or WhatsApp 07852599171 and we will do our best to assist you.
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