Berkshire

Berkshire falls within the Thames and Chiltern Area, one of 13 CPS Areas across England and Wales, which prosecute people charged with a criminal offence.

CPS lawyers review the evidence gathered by the police and decide whether the case should go to court.

Responsibilities include:

• Advising the police on possible prosecutions
• Reviewing cases submitted by the police and deciding on the charge
• Preparing cases for court
• Prosecuting cases at Crown Courts and magistrates' courts
• Cases are prosecuted firmly, fairly and effectively when there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction and when it is in the public interest to do so.

Caseload:

In the financial year to March 2012, CPS Berkshire prosecuted 8,748 cases in magistrates' courts and 1,339 cases in Crown Courts. The conviction rate for this period was 83% in magistrates' courts and 76% in Crown Courts.

In the first quarter of 2012-13, CPS Berkshire prosecuted 1,848 cases in magistrates' courts and 244 cases in Crown Courts. The conviction rate for this period was 80% in magistrates' courts and 74% in Crown Courts.

In the second quarter of 2012-13, CPS Berkshire prosecuted 2,035 cases in magistrates' courts and 254 cases in Crown Courts. The conviction rate for this period was 81% in magistrates' courts and 80% in Crown Courts.