Witness Availability Letter
Some witnesses will get a letter from COPFS in the post, asking you when you are able to come to court. This is because you may be called to give evidence in court.
Our letter asks you to complete and return a form to us.
Fill in the form to:
- confirm your personal details
- tell us any dates that are less convenient for coming to court and why
It is not always possible to set dates that suit all witnesses, but we tell the Court which dates are less convenient and the Court will try to find a suitable date.
If you don’t get a letter
Some witnesses will not receive a letter. This may be because you have been referred to the COPFS Victim Information and Advice service (VIA). In the case of some vulnerable witnesses, it may be safer for you if we don't send documents through the post.
If this is the case, we will contact you some other way such as by phone. You can also get in touch with us through your existing VIA contact point or using our Enquiry Point – see below.
If we don’t hear from you
The police may get in touch direct to ask you about availability for court.
Enquiry Point
Please contact our Enquiry Point team as soon as possible if you:
- have difficulty telling us when you will be available for court
- will struggle to attend court at short notice
Call: 0300 020 3000
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3.30pm
Relay UK
If you are Deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired you can contact us by phone using Relay UK.
Visit the Relay UK website to download the app.
Rates for mobile phones may vary by provider.
General enquiries
Email enquirypoint@copfs.gov.uk if you have a question about providing your availability.