Allocation, Sending and Committal for Sentence
Plain-English digest of CPS prosecution guidance.
AI-generated summary — not verbatim. This is a plain-English digest, not the official CPS text. It may omit detail or fall out of date. Do not rely on it for a charging decision — read the full guidance on cps.gov.uk and check the current legislation.
This guidance outlines the prosecution approach to the legal processes involved in allocating, committing for sentence, and sending adult cases to the Crown Court. It details the relevant sections of various acts that govern these procedures and clarifies the roles and responsibilities of prosecutors at key stages of the court process. Additionally, it addresses the handling of procedural errors in these processes to ensure the integrity of legal proceedings.
Key points
- Prosecutors must identify the triability of charges at the first hearing.
- Adjournments should be exceptional and only when justified.
- Criminal damage and shoplifting thresholds can affect triability.
- Errors can be procedural and may or may not render proceedings invalid.
- Prosecutors must clarify representations as to the venue at hearings.
- Particular care is needed for linked offences when deciding jurisdiction.
Public-interest factors
- Ensuring proper venue for trial
- Maintaining the integrity of the legal process
- Prevention of procedural errors
- Safeguarding defendants' rights
- Efficient management of court resources
This is a factual digest of guidance published by the Crown Prosecution Service. Digested 2026-07-14. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the CPS.