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What to do if…
you receive an official notice that you are being charged and you do not understand what it means

Short answer

Do not ignore it. Find the deadline and any court date, then verify the notice using official court contact details and get a solicitor (or court duty solicitor help) so you understand exactly what you must do next.

Do not do these things

  • Do not bin it, hide it, or “wait and see” — missing a deadline can make things worse.
  • Do not plead guilty, pay, or send a written “explanation” because you feel rushed.
  • Do not call numbers, scan QR codes, or follow payment links on the notice until you’ve confirmed it’s genuine.
  • Do not post photos of the paperwork online or share it widely (it can contain case identifiers and personal data).
  • Do not contact anyone involved in the case if the notice mentions restrictions or bail conditions.

What to do now

  1. Do a 2-minute scan for the “must-do” bits (and write them down).
    Look only for: your name/DOB/address, the offence wording, a case/reference number, a response deadline, and any court date/time/location.

  2. Treat it like a deadline problem first (not a “solve the case” problem).

    • If it says Single Justice Procedure Notice (SJPN), you have 21 days from the date shown on the notice to respond (the notice should also show the response-by date).
    • If it gives a hearing date, plan to attend unless a solicitor tells you otherwise. Put the date/time in your phone calendar and write it down.

  3. Verify it’s genuine using independent, official contact details.
    Use official court contact details (for example via official government/court listings), not a number/link you don’t trust on the letter. When you call, start by giving only the case/reference number and ask:

    • “Can you confirm this notice is real?”
    • “What type is it (SJPN, postal requisition, summons)?”
    • “What do I have to do by what date?”

  4. Get criminal defence help to read it with you today (or as soon as possible).

    • If you already have a solicitor, send clear photos/scans of every page.
    • If you don’t, contact a local criminal defence solicitor and ask about legal aid if money is tight.
    • If you are close to a court date and can’t get a solicitor in time, go to court and ask court staff on arrival whether a duty solicitor is available for your type of case that day (do not assume it’s guaranteed).

  5. If you think it’s meant for someone else, act quickly anyway.
    Tell the court/issuer: “I may be the wrong person — how do I correct this?” Ask what proof they need (often ID and basic address history). Keep it factual; avoid long narratives.

  6. If it mentions bail/conditions, follow them immediately while you get advice.
    Conditions can include “do not contact,” “live at,” “surrender passport,” or “report to a police station.” If you genuinely can’t comply for practical reasons, tell your solicitor promptly so they can advise what to do next.

  7. Make a simple “document pack” now.
    Keep together: the notice, the envelope, any attachments, and a single page where you log dates/deadlines plus who you spoke to and what they said.

  8. If language, disability, or literacy is a barrier, ask for adjustments early.
    When you contact the court/solicitor, ask for what you need (interpreter, accessible format, hearing loop, extra time).

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide your plea or write your full account right now.
  • You do not need to contact anyone involved to “clear it up.”
  • You do not need to gather all evidence tonight — first confirm the notice type, the deadline, and get legal help lined up.

Important reassurance

Not understanding legal wording is extremely common. These notices are written for the system, not for humans. Your immediate job is simply to avoid missing deadlines and get a real person (court and/or solicitor) to tell you what this document is and what you must do next.

Scope note

This is first-steps-only guidance for stabilising the situation and avoiding irreversible mistakes. The right next steps depend on the exact document type and the charge.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. If you are unsure what the notice is, whether it is genuine, or what to do by the deadline, contact the court using official contact details and/or a criminal defence solicitor as soon as possible.

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