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Represent yourself in a Criminal Mentions Court
In this section:
- What is a Criminal Mentions Court
- At your court mention
- Reading of your charges
- Plead guilty or claim trial
At your court mention
What to bring
You should bring the following for your court mention:
- Your identity card (NRIC), work permit, passport or other official identification document that has your photo and personal particulars (photo ID).
- A valid letter of authorisation (if representing an organisation).
Tip
If you have lost your NRIC, work permit or passport and do not have any other photo ID, you can bring documents which support your reasons for not having a photo ID.
For example, you should bring along a police report as evidence of the loss of your NRIC. Alternatively, you can also show correspondence with the relevant agencies such as the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) as evidence of your attempts at obtaining a replacement NRIC or passport.
Arriving in court
On the day of your court mention you should:
- Always arrive early. If you are late or absent, a Warrant of Arrest may be issued against you.
- Always dress appropriately when entering a courthouse and in the courtroom. Refer to the visitors' guide for the dress code.
- Find your way to the courtroom or hearing chamber. Refer to the building directory or approach the information counter if you need help to locate your Mentions Court.
- Confirm your case is scheduled to be heard in the courtroom you are about to enter. Inform the court officer of your presence when you enter.
What to do at your court mention
At the Mentions Court, you will see many other cases being heard. Listen for your name, stand up when you are called and show the court officer your identification document. You may then be directed to stand in the dock, and be asked for the language of your choice.
Note
If you have limited knowledge of English, you may request for a court interpreter who speaks the language or dialect you are comfortable with to be assigned to you.
You are also expected to observe court etiquette during your court mention.
Need help?
The information here is for general guidance as the courts do not provide legal advice. If you need further help, you may want to get independent legal advice.
Find out more
Go to Step-by-step guide
Step-by-step guide
Attend Criminal Mentions Court
If you plead guilty
OR
2021/07/23
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