Got a court summons? Understand it first
A summons is a court telling you to come, or to answer, by a date. It is more serious than a lawyer's notice, and missing the date has consequences. Share or photograph it and TellBrief tells you which court sent it, what the case is about, the date and time, and whether you must appear in person, each linked to the line it came from.
What TellBrief tells you
- Which court, the case number and who filed it, in plain words
- The date, time and courtroom, and whether you must appear in person
- What usually happens if you don't appear, for this kind of case
- When to get a lawyer, and where free legal aid is available
Words you'll see
- Summons
- An order from a court to appear, or to file a reply, on a date. It is not a judgment against you.
- Civil or criminal
- A civil case is usually about money or property; a criminal case is about an offence. The summons says which.
- Ex parte
- When a court goes ahead without you because you didn't appear. In a civil case it can decide against you.
- Warrant
- In a criminal case, ignoring a summons can lead the court to issue a warrant.
- Vakalatnama
- The form that lets a lawyer appear for you.
Questions
Do I have to go to court myself?
The summons says whether you must appear in person or can appear through a lawyer. TellBrief finds that line and shows it to you.
What if I can't go on that date?
A lawyer can usually ask the court for another date. Not appearing at all is what causes trouble.
Is there free legal help?
Yes. The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) gives free legal aid to many people. The NALSA helpline is 15100.
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General information, not legal, medical or financial advice.
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