# The Criminal Procedure Rules 2025, Rule 18.4: Making an application for a direction or order

Extent: E+W

A party who wants the court to exercise its power to give or make a direction or order must—
(a) apply in writing as soon as reasonably practicable, and in any event not more than—
(i) 20 business days after the defendant pleads not guilty, in a magistrates’ court, or
(ii) 10 business days after the defendant pleads not guilty, in the Crown Court; and
(b) serve the application on—
(i) the court officer, and
(ii) each other party.
[Note. See also rule 18.10 (Content of application for a special measures direction), rule 18.15 (Content and conduct of application for a witness anonymity order) and rule 18.19 (Appointment of intermediary to facilitate a defendant’s participation).]

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2025/909/rule/18.4 (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/criminal-procedure-rules-2025/rule-18.4
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.