Postal Requisition: Charged by Post — What It Means

I don't work for the police. Police Station Agent is run by Defence Legal Services Ltd. When I act for you, I do so as a solicitor at Tuckers Solicitors LLP (SRA number 592449).

A postal requisition (sometimes called being charged by post) is a document telling you that you're 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.

1) What is a postal requisition?

Where someone isn't 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. Don't assume it will be rearranged automatically.

3) What to do next

• Keep the envelope and all pages; photograph them.
• Don't 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

• Voluntary police interview risks
• Released under investigation
• What happens if charged

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 (592449)
• 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. Don't 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 number 592449).