A remand hearing can change everything in a matter of minutes. Whether you’re facing criminal charges or supporting a loved one, understanding what happens next is essential. In 2025, 1.59 million individuals were formally dealt with by the Criminal Justice System in England and Wales. 

Being remanded does not mean you’ve been convicted. Instead, the court decides whether you should remain in custody or be released on bail while your case progresses. That decision can affect your family, work, and future. 

In this guide, Cooper Hall Solicitors explains how remand works in Blackburn, why courts order it, your legal rights, and the steps you can take to improve your chances of a favourable outcome. 

Protect your future today with our Criminal Solicitors’ expert guidance. 

What Does Remand Mean in Blackburn?

Remand means the court decides whether a person charged with a crime should stay in custody or be released on bail while their case continues.

At Blackburn Magistrates’ Court, the judge or magistrates decide whether to order remand in custody or grant bail. A remand decision is not a conviction. The court simply decides where the defendant stays until the next hearing. During a Magistrates’ Court remand, the court considers the offence, bail conditions, and other relevant circumstances before making its decision.

The Ministry of Justice reported that defendants remanded in custody at magistrates’ courts reached 67,000 in 2025, the highest level recorded in the past decade. 

How Blackburn Magistrates’ Court Handles Remand Hearings

Most defendants appear before Blackburn Magistrates’ Court on the next working day after being charged. The court handles cases from Blackburn and the wider Lancashire area, and some hearings take place by video link.

Across England and Wales, prosecutions for indictable offences increased by 9% in 2025, contributing to higher workloads for magistrates’ courts. 

During the remand hearing, both the prosecution and defence present their arguments. A criminal defence solicitor in Blackburn can submit a bail application, explain the defendant’s community ties, and propose suitable bail conditions. Serious cases may later move to the Crown Court remand process.

The Sentencing Act 2026: What Changed for Bail Decisions?

The Sentencing Act 2026 updated the rules courts use when deciding bail. Courts now apply the “no real prospect of immediate custody” test instead of the previous wording. The law also assumes that prison sentences of 12 months or less will usually be suspended unless immediate custody is necessary.

The prison population in England and Wales stood at 87,342 on 31 March 2026, highlighting continued pressure on the prison system. 

Electronic monitoring has become a more common alternative to pre-trial detention, allowing some defendants to remain on bail under strict conditions rather than staying in custody.

Why This Matters for People Facing Remand in Blackburn

These legal changes may improve the chances of bail where immediate imprisonment is unlikely. Strong criminal law advice and well-prepared evidence can help the court make an informed decision.

Strengthen your defence with tailored legal support before your hearing begins. 

When Can Bail Be Refused in Blackburn?

The court may refuse bail if it believes there is:

• A risk of failing to attend court.
• A risk of committing further offences.
• A risk of interfering with witnesses or evidence.
• A serious offence requiring detention.
• A history of breaching bail or court orders.

Each court custody decision depends on the facts and circumstances of the individual case. In practice, courts grant bail in most cases unless there are significant risks. According to the Ministry of Justice, only around 5% of defendants appearing in magistrates’ courts were remanded in custody during 2025. 

What Happens After Someone Is Remanded in Custody?

If bail is refused, the defendant is transferred from court cells into custody until the next hearing. People on remand in custody are generally held separately from convicted prisoners because they are still presumed innocent. They continue preparing their defence during the ongoing criminal proceedings.

As of 31 March 2026, there were 16,025 remand prisoners in England and Wales. 

Which Prison Do Blackburn Defendants Go To on Remand?

Most defendants remanded by Lancashire courts, including Blackburn, are taken to HMP Preston. This Category B local prison receives remanded prisoners and those serving short sentences. Prison allocation may change depending on operational requirements.

The total prison population in England and Wales exceeded 87,000 in March 2026, demonstrating why local prisons such as HMP Preston play an important role in managing remand prisoners. 

Custody Time Limits: How Long Can Remand Last?

The law sets custody time limits so defendants cannot remain in custody indefinitely before trial. Time limits are generally shorter for magistrates’ court cases than Crown Court cases. If prosecutors need more time, they must ask the court to approve an extension.

The Ministry of Justice reported that remands in magistrates’ courts reached a decade high in 2025, reinforcing the importance of custody time limits to prevent unnecessary delays. 

Does Time on Remand Count Toward a Sentence?

Yes. In most cases, time spent on remand in custody normally counts on a one-day-for-one-day basis towards any prison sentence. Time spent on tagged bail follows different legal rules and may not receive the same credit.

The remand prison population has increased from 11,388 in June 2020 to 17,701 in June 2025, making sentence credit rules increasingly important for defendants. 

Rights of Someone on Remand

Remand prisoners represented around one in five people in prison at the end of 2025, according to the Ministry of Justice. A person on remand still has important legal rights, including the right to:

• Apply for bail again.
• Receive legal representation.
• Access healthcare.
• Prepare their defence.
• Wear their own clothing, subject to prison rules.

These defendant rights remain in place until the case is decided.

How Cooper Hall Solicitors Can Help With a Blackburn Remand Case

Remand hearings move quickly, leaving little time to prepare. Getting legal advice as early as possible can strengthen your position and ensure the court considers all relevant information before making a decision. Cooper Hall Solicitors guide clients through each stage of the process with clear, practical support.

The team can help by:

• Assessing the circumstances of your case and explaining your legal options.
• Preparing a well-supported bail application.
• Collecting evidence of your address, employment, and community ties.
• Proposing suitable bail conditions to address the court’s concerns.
• Responding to the prosecution’s objections to bail.
• Representing you at hearings in both the Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court.
• Advising on legal aid criminal defence, where eligible.
• Helping you prepare for future hearings and the next stages of your case.

With experienced legal guidance and careful preparation, Cooper Hall Solicitors help protect your rights and present the strongest possible case throughout the remand process.

Conclusion

Understanding remand helps you know what to expect if you or a loved one faces criminal proceedings in Blackburn. Knowing how bail decisions are made, what rights remain during custody, and how recent legal changes affect remand can make the process less confusing. 

Prompt advice from experienced Blackburn criminal solicitors ensures you receive practical guidance and effective representation at every stage of your case.