Criminal cases took an average of 209 days in 2025/26
Date published:
New official statistics published today by NISRA statisticians in the Department of Justice present information on processing times for criminal cases dealt with at courts in Northern Ireland for the year 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.
Key findings
During 2025/26:
- Criminal cases took an average of 209 days from the offence being reported to court disposal.
- Crown Court charge cases took an average of 521 days, 21 days fewer than in 2024/25.
- Crown Court summons cases took an average of 1,174 days, 37 days fewer than in 2024/25.
- Adult Magistrates’ Courts charge cases took an average of 92 days, unchanged from 2024/25.
- Adult Magistrates’ Courts summons cases took an average of 239 days, 16 days more than in 2024/25.
- Cases involving fraud offences had the longest average time, at 549 days, while public order offences had the shortest, at 163 days.
About this publication
This publication provides information on the average time taken to complete criminal cases dealt with at Crown and Magistrates’ Courts in Northern Ireland between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026.
Processing time is measured from when an offence was reported to, or detected by, the police until the case was dealt with at court. The average is measured using the median.
Further information
Read the full report and view data tables and background information: Case processing time for criminal cases dealt with at courts in Northern Ireland 25/26