What happens if I receive a Single Justice Procedure notice?
Received a large brown envelope with 'Single Justice Procedure' (SJP) on the front? This is not a scam—it's a fast-track way for courts to convict you for things like TV licence evasion, speeding, or fare evasion.
The catch: If you don't respond within 21 days, a magistrate will decide your case in a private room without you. You will be found guilty by default and fined based on an 'average' income (which might be way more than you actually earn).
Use the tools below to decode your offence, track your 21-day deadline, and see how much you are likely to be fined.
1 The Typical Timeline
If you take no action, this is the standard statutory process. Timescales are approximate but typical for 2026.
The Notice
You receive the SJP notice in the post. It includes a 'Statement of Facts' from the prosecutor.
The Window
This is your only chance to plead 'Guilty' or 'Not Guilty'. Pleading guilty early often gets you 33% off the fine.
Private Hearing
If you didn't respond, a 'Single Justice' (one magistrate) will try your case in private. You won't be there.
The Bill
You receive a 'Notice of Fine and Collection Order'. If you don't pay, bailiffs or an attachment of earnings will follow.
2 Free Calculators & Checks
Decode the jargon on your charge sheet.
SJP Offence Decoder
What is "Single Justice Procedure" actually charging you with?
Select an offence to decode
**GUILTY BY DEFAULT:** If you do not respond to an SJP notice within 21 days, you will be found guilty in your absence without a hearing.
Don't let the 21-day clock run out.
SJP Deadline Counter
Most SJP notices have a strict 21-day window.
Calculate your estimated fine + surcharge + costs.
Outcome Probability Explainer
Estimate your total court bill based on SJP benchmarks.
The 33% Early Plea Discount
For almost all SJP offences, pleading Guilty at the first opportunity (within the 21 days) grants you a mandatory one-third (33%) reduction in your fine. This does not apply to the victim surcharge or court costs.
SJP vs Open Court
SJP is designed for people who admit they are guilty or don't want to attend court.
- SJP: Fast, private, online interaction.
- Full Hearing: You attend, explain your side to the bench, and can cross-examine witnesses. Better if you are Not Guilty or have a 'Special Reasons' defense.
Summary of Options
Submit a Plea
Log in to the online system or return the form. Even if you are guilty, submitting your *actual* income can save you £100s in fines.
Request a Hearing
If you have complex mitigating circumstances (e.g. mental health, sudden poverty), you can ask for a full hearing in open court.
Provide Means Info
If the court doesn't know your income, they assume you earn £440/week. If you earn less, tell them to get a lower fine.
Common Questions
Do I get a criminal record from SJP?
Most SJP offences (TV licence, speeding) result in a 'summary conviction'. For some jobs, this counts as a criminal record, but for most, it is just a 'fine'. It will not appear on a Basic DBS check after it's spent (usually 1 year).
What if I missed the 21-day window?
You must make a 'Statutory Declaration' immediately. This tells the court you didn't know about the proceedings. It resets the case to the start.
What are the hidden costs of SJP?
The fine is only part of it. You must also pay:
- Victim Surcharge: (40% of the fine value, minimum £26).
- Prosecution Costs: (Usually £85 - £150).
Official Sources & References
Related Situations
Other guides accurately explaining what happens next in fines & penalties .
What happens if I ignore a County Court claim form?
Ignoring a court claim is the fastest way to get a CCJ. You lose the right to defend yourself and the creditor can use bailiffs or take money from your wages immediately.
What happens if I'm taken to court for debt?
A Court Claim (CCJ) is serious, but you have 14 days to respond. Ignoring it guarantees you lose.
What happens if I don't pay my TV licence?
It is a criminal offence, but it is not a 'recordable' one. You face a fine of up to £1,000 (plus costs), but you CANNOT go to prison just for not paying.