Custody Time Limit Calculator and Ready Reckoner
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 It may omit detail or fall out of date.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 legal framework concerning custody time limits for individuals charged with criminal offences. It explains the necessity to adhere to time limits which can vary based on the offence and court. The guidance also introduces a calculator tool designed to assist prosecution staff in accurately determining these expiry dates, ensuring defendants are not unlawfully held in custody.
Key points
- Custody time limits vary by offence type and court.
- Time limits must be strictly observed and can only be extended in exceptional circumstances.
- A tool is available to calculate the correct expiry date for custody time limits.
- Complex cases require careful calculation of multiple expiry dates for different defendants.
- The calculator helps ensure compliance with legal requirements regarding custody durations.
Public-interest factors
- Ensuring defendants are not held unlawfully in custody.
- Facilitating timely trials to uphold justice.
- Providing accurate tools for prosecution staff.
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.