COVID 19 and Custody Time Limit Extensions in cases that will not result in a substantial custodial 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 It may omit detail or fall out of date.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 prosecution guidance addresses the handling of cases during the COVID-19 pandemic that involve Custody Time Limits (CTLs) which will not lead to substantial custodial sentences. It specifies the procedures for extending CTLs, applicable primarily to magistrates' courts but also relevant to some Crown Court cases. Prosecutors are required to assess the appropriateness of CTL extensions in light of the anticipated sentence and time already spent in custody.
Key points
- Guidance is applicable during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Covers cases with Custody Time Limits that do not result in substantial sentences.
- CTLs are 56 days for magistrates' courts and 182 days for Crown Courts.
- Extensions of CTLs should be considered carefully if the conviction will not exceed time already served.
- Prosecutors must ensure that further custody leads to an effective trial.
Public-interest factors
- Ensuring fair trial processes during the pandemic.
- Minimizing unnecessary pre-trial custody.
This is a factual digest of guidance published by the Crown Prosecution Service. Digested 2026-07-15. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the CPS.