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What to do if…
you receive notice that someone in custody has a court date tomorrow and they ask you to attend remotely

Short answer

Pause and verify the details with the court (not via the message you received), then request remote access using the court’s official contact route so you don’t miss the hearing or get caught by a scam.

Do not do these things

  • Do not click unknown links or download “court apps” from a message without independently confirming the hearing and joining method.
  • Do not share any joining link, dial-in number, or passcode with others unless the court explicitly says you can.
  • Do not record, livestream, screenshot, or retransmit any part of a hearing. This may amount to contempt of court and can lead to serious penalties.
  • Do not contact the judge directly, or try to “send a message to the court” through informal channels.
  • Do not send urgent money, gift cards, crypto, or “top-up credit” because someone says it’s needed “for the hearing” — treat that as a red flag until verified.
  • Do not assume you are allowed to attend: some hearings are private (for example, youth/family) or can be restricted by the judge.

What to do now

  1. Get the minimum facts from the person in custody (no debating, no promises):

    • Full name (and any aliases used in the case)
    • Date of birth
    • Where they’re held (prison/police station) and, if they know it, their prisoner number
    • Court name, town/city, and the time
    • What kind of hearing it is (first appearance, remand/bail, sentencing, etc.)
    • Whether they have a solicitor and (if they’re comfortable) the solicitor’s firm name
      If they can’t provide these, you can still proceed — it just may take longer to confirm.

  2. Independently confirm the hearing using official routes (don’t rely on the message thread):

    • Use the official Find a court or tribunal service to get the court’s correct phone/email details.
    • Ask: “Can you confirm whether there is a hearing tomorrow for [name, DOB], and whether remote observation is possible?”

  3. Request remote access the way the court expects (because you may be an observer, not a participant):

    • Tell the court you want to observe remotely (not speak), and provide your full name and email address.
    • If you have a connection to the person (family/friend), say so — but keep it brief.
      The judge/court may allow remote observation, may require extra checks, or may say it must be in person.

  4. Ask what platform will be used and what you need to join:

    • UK courts may use HMCTS video/telephone arrangements (often via Cloud Video Platform / CVP or another approved service).
    • Ask what you’ll receive (email invite link, meeting ID, passcode, dial-in number), and when it will be sent.

  5. Do a quick tech check tonight (so tomorrow isn’t a scramble):

    • Use a device you trust, update it, charge it, and test audio/video.
    • Plan a quiet, private place (headphones help).
    • If it’s CVP, use the built-in test options (camera/mic/speaker) so you know it works.
    • If CVP won’t connect, use the HMCTS support route shown in the CVP guidance/joining notice (weekday helpdesk) or contact the court if it’s a weekend/bank holiday.

  6. Join early tomorrow and behave like you’re in the courtroom:

    • Join 10–15 minutes early if possible.
    • Keep your microphone muted unless instructed.
    • Have photo ID available in case you’re asked to confirm who you are.
    • If you lose connection, rejoin using the same official link/dial-in details and (if needed) contact the court office.

  7. If you can’t get remote access in time, do the next safest thing:

    • Ask the court whether you can observe in person instead, or whether the hearing is not open/available to observers.
    • If you’re worried about the person’s welfare in custody, contact the place of detention via its main switchboard and ask what the correct welfare/safer-custody contact route is (keep it factual and brief).

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide today what the “right legal strategy” is, or try to interpret what tomorrow’s hearing will mean.
  • You do not need to chase paperwork, transcripts, or outcomes tonight.
  • You do not need to argue with the person in custody about details you can’t verify — focus on confirming time/place/access first.

Important reassurance

It’s normal to feel pressured by “tomorrow” and want to say yes immediately. Slowing down to verify the court details is the safest way to help — it prevents scams, prevents missed hearings, and avoids mistakes that are hard to undo.

Scope note

This is first-step guidance for confirming a real court date and attending remotely as an observer/supporter. It does not cover legal advice about the case, bail/remand decisions, or what to say to lawyers.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. Court practices vary by jurisdiction and by judge, and some hearings cannot be observed remotely (or at all). Always follow the court’s instructions and do not record or share hearing access details.

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