Funding:

Legal Aid (criminal cases)

Criminal Investigations

Representation at police stations is free. This means that there is no need to assess your financially eligibility in order to be represented during a criminal investigation, because there is no charge to you. If you would prefer to use a senior lawyer we can provide this on a private basis.

Criminal Prosecutions

If you have been charged with a criminal / motoring offence, then you can apply for Legal Aid. We will undertake a review of your financial circumstances and advise accordingly. The eligibility criteria is different depending on whether your case is dealt with in the Magistrates Court or the Crown Court.

If your case is being dealt with by the Crown Court, then even if you are eligible for Legal Aid, you may find that our private fees are more affordable than the Legal Aid contributions. We will discuss this with you and work out the best option for you.

Private Fees

For criminal matters (where you are not eligible for Legal Aid) and family cases we offer an hourly rate service and in some circumstances a fixed fee.

Rates

Our rates are as follows:

Partners rates: £180+VAT per hour

Solicitors rates: £150+VAT per hour

Paralegal rates: £90 +VAT per hour

A quote will be provided for all matters. All options will be discussed with you before commencement of work. For motoring cases

Motoring Offences

Motoring Offence (Guilty plea) – The price quoted will be dependent on the type or nature of the case and will vary between £300 to £500 + VAT. This fee includes:

• 2 hours attendance/preparation:
• considering evidence
• taking your instructions
• providing advice on likely sentence
• Attendance and representation at a single hearing at the Magistrates Court

The fee does not include:

• instruction of any expert witnesses
• taking statements from any witnesses
• advice and assistance in relation to a special reasons hearing
• advice or assistance in relation to any appeal The key stages of your matter are based on the presumption that you have entered a guilty plea and have a date for your hearing.

We will:

• Consider initial disclosure, and any other evidence and provide advice.
• Arrange any character references, if necessary
• Explain the court procedure to you so you know what to expect on the day of your hearing, and the sentencing options available to the court.
• Conduct any further preparatory work, obtain further instructions from you if necessary and answer any follow up queries you have.

Please note that whilst we try to provide reasonable timescales for your case, this is dependent on a number of factors including the court listing on the day of your case.

Motoring Offence (Trial) – The price quoted will be dependent on the type or nature of the case and will vary between £1,500 to £4,000 + VAT

This fee includes:

• considering evidence
• taking your instructions
• Taking witness statements
• instructing experts
• listening to interview discs
• providing advice on likely outcome
• advice in relation to any appeal
• site visits
• Drafting / submitting Legal Arguments
• Liaising with the Crown Prosecution Service
• Attendance and representation at the first hearing, the trial day and if convicted the sentencing hearing

The fee does not include:

• instruction of any expert witnesses-
• assistance in relation to any appeal

The reason for this is that this attracts a separate fee. Please note that whilst we try to provide reasonable timescales for your case, this is dependent on a number of factors including the court listing on the day of your case.