Crown Warned List explained: what 'warned' means
Short answer: The Crown Warned List shows cases that may be called into court at short notice, usually trials that have no fixed start time. If your case is warned, you are expected to be ready to attend when called, usually within a stated period. Keep your phone on and stay in touch with your solicitor.
“Warned” sounds worrying, but in the court system it simply means “be ready”. The Crown Warned List can affect your plans for weeks, so it helps to understand how it works. This page explains what the list shows, what is expected of you and how to cope with the uncertainty.
What the Crown Warned List is
Some Crown Court cases, usually trials, are not given a single fixed start date. Instead, the court “warns” the people involved that the case could be called on any day within a period. When a courtroom and judge become free, a warned case may be put into the daily list at short notice.
The Crown Warned List shows these cases. It is published by HM Courts & Tribunals Service through the official Court and Tribunal Hearings service.
Why courts use warned lists
Court time is limited, and trials rarely run exactly to plan. A trial may finish early, or a case listed for trial may end with a guilty plea. A warned list lets the court fill any space that opens up quickly, without leaving a courtroom empty. The downside is uncertainty for the people who have to be ready.
Warned, firm and daily: how they differ
| List | Meaning | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Crown Firm List | A fixed date | Plan for that date |
| Crown Warned List | A period during which the case may be called | Be ready to attend at short notice |
| Crown Daily List | What is happening today | Find your courtroom |
What the columns mean
Layouts vary between courts and over time, so you may not see every column below.
| Column | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Court / courtroom | The building where the case may be heard |
| Period or date | The window in which the case may be called |
| Case reference | The number that identifies the case |
| Hearing type | Normally a trial |
| Judge | Who is expected, where shown |
If you have been warned: what to do
- Read your letter carefully. It should explain how long you are warned for and how you will be told.
- Keep your phone on, and check messages and email regularly.
- Tell your employer that you may need time off at short notice.
- Arrange backup care for children or dependants, if you can.
- Avoid travel plans during the warned period unless your solicitor agrees.
- Stay in touch with your solicitor, the witness care unit or whoever warned you.
- Prepare by rereading your statement if you are a witness.
Telling the court about problems
If you have a good reason you cannot attend, such as illness, a pre-booked operation or caring duties, tell the person who warned you as early as you can. Provide evidence, such as a doctor’s note. Do not assume the court will find out. Ignoring a call to attend can lead to serious consequences, including a warrant, so always get in touch.
If you are a witness
Witnesses are often warned. The witness care unit will usually be your point of contact. Read attending court as a witness for what happens when you are called, and what support is available. If you are a victim, see victims of crime at court.
If you are a defendant
Your solicitor will explain the warned period and when you are expected to attend. Our guide going to court as a defendant covers how to prepare and what to bring.
Reading the list on this site
We show warned cases where the official list publishes them, using allowed columns only. We never show defendants’ first names. A warned entry may later move to the firm or daily list, so check each. The official service is the authority, and lists can change, so confirm important details there. See how we get our lists.
Planning your day when you are called
When you are called, check the daily list for your courtroom and arrive early. Read what to expect at a Crown Court and use the hearing day planner. To find the court’s address, see the Crown Courts directory.
Frequently asked questions
What does it mean to be warned for trial?
It means the court has told the parties that the case could be listed on any day within a period. You must be ready to attend when you are called. You are not guaranteed a specific day in advance.
How much notice will I get?
Notice can be short. The court or your solicitor will explain what to expect, and your letter may state how quickly you need to attend. If you are unsure, ask them directly.
Can I go on holiday while I am warned?
Be very careful. Tell your solicitor or the witness care unit about any plans. Failing to attend when called can have serious consequences, so do not book travel without checking.
What if I cannot attend at short notice?
Contact your solicitor or the person who warned you as soon as you know, explaining why. Do not just stay away. They may be able to tell the court.