There are magistrate and crown courts. Magistrates will deal with “lesser” crimes themselves but will forward the “big ones” onto the Crown Court.

For more serious crimes you still (mostly) have the right to a jury trial.

We also differentiate between solicitors and barristers. Both are lawyers. Solicitors are everywhere and it’s super easy to have a meeting with one. Barristers tend to be retained on your behalf via your solicitor. It’s possible to not even see your barrister until you’re in court and they are defending you.