Custody Time Limits
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 It may omit detail or fall out of date.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 legal framework, application, and management of custody time limits (CTL) to ensure unconvicted defendants are not held in pre-trial custody for excessive periods. It outlines the responsibilities of the prosecution, principles for calculating CTL expiry dates, and various scenarios impacting CTLs including the commencement and cessation of limits, dealing with appeals, and relevant public interest factors. The guidance also includes specifics on young offenders and the handling of plea situations, providing a comprehensive overview of the procedural aspects related to CTLs.
Key points
- The prosecution bears the burden of monitoring and complying with CTLs.
- CTLs prevent unconvicted defendants from being held excessively in custody.
- Practices for calculating expiry dates should be followed meticulously.
- Different time limits apply to summary, either-way, and indictable offences.
- Applications for extending CTLs require clear justification and due diligence.
Public-interest factors
- Safeguarding defendants' rights during pre-trial detention.
- Ensuring the expeditious handling of cases to prevent unnecessary delays.
- Balancing public safety with the rights of defendants during legal proceedings.
- Maintaining judicial integrity in the handling and monitoring of CTLs.
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.