Crown Prosecution Service

The Crown Prosecution Service reviews and, where appropriate, prosecutes criminal cases, following investigation by others. It also advises the police on matters relating to criminal offences.

In each case which it reviews and considers whether there is sufficient evidence and, if so, whether the public interest requires a prosecution. The CPS will be represented by a Barrister or solicitor in Court for criminal offences such as drink driving, no insurance etc.

However, for road traffic offences such as speeding, traffic light offences etc where the Defendant has pleaded guilty by post the CPS may not be represented in Court. Instead the Magistrates’ Legal Adviser (formerly known as the Court clerk) will read out the facts of the offence relied upon by the Police.