A postal requisition (sometimes called being charged by post) is a document telling you that you are charged with an offence and giving a date to attend the magistrates’ court. Treat it as urgent: read it carefully, note the court date, and arrange legal representation — legal aid may be available for court depending on means and the case.
Police Station Agent is a private defence website operated by Robert Cashman — NOT Kent Police and not any government agency. Legal services are delivered through Tuckers Solicitors LLP (SRA ID: 127795).
Key takeaways
- Do not ignore post from the police or court — missing a date can mean a warrant.
- The requisition should identify the charge and first hearing date.
- Arrange a defence solicitor for court; apply for legal aid if eligible.
1) What is a postal requisition?
Where someone is not charged at the police station, a written charge and requisition may be issued under section 29 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003, requiring attendance at the magistrates’ court. The document should set out the charge and hearing details.
2) First court date
The document should state when and where to attend. If the date has passed or you only just received it, contact a solicitor immediately — do not assume it will be rearranged automatically.
3) What to do next
- Keep the envelope and all pages; photograph them.
- Do not discuss the allegation on social media.
- Instruct a criminal defence solicitor before the hearing.
- Bring ID and any bail paperwork from earlier police contact.
4) Legal aid at court
Police station advice is separate from criminal legal aid for court, which is means-tested for most offences. A solicitor can help you apply. This site focuses on police station stage — for court, you need a representative who covers magistrates’ work.
5) If you already had a police interview
Charge by post often follows an earlier voluntary interview or RUI. See RUI guide and voluntary interview risks for the pre-charge stage.
Related guides
Sources
Sources checked: 1 October 2026.
- Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 — legislation.gov.uk
- PACE Code C 2023 — GOV.UK
- SRA register — Tuckers Solicitors LLP (127795)
- Criminal Justice Act 2003, section 29
- GOV.UK — Legal aid
General information only — not legal advice about any individual case. While every care is taken to keep information accurate, errors may occur and the law changes. Do not rely on this page instead of advice from a qualified solicitor. If you believe something is incorrect, contact us to report a content error. Legal services are provided by Tuckers Solicitors LLP (SRA ID: 127795).