Custody time limit
The maximum time a defendant can be held in custody before their trial starts.
Custody time limits are set by law. If the prosecution cannot be ready in time and the court does not extend the limit, the defendant must be released on bail.
The CPS legal guidance sets out the limits and how extensions work.
Official sources
This is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. The official sources above are the authority.
See also
Remand (bail or custody) · How a case moves from charge to sentence · All explainers
