Criminal Matters

POST CONSULTATION SERVICES/FEE

a. Private Clients:

If after the initial consultation we are required to act further on behalf of the client, our Solicitor’s hourly rate fee is: – £180-£250 exclusive of VAT and disbursements. The specific fee will depend on the Solicitor's year of call/grade. In addition, we charge 10% of our hourly fee rate for letters, telephones, correspondences in/out. Further information will be found in our Retainer letter to client or on client’s enquiry

b. Legal Aid qualified Clients:

If the matter progresses to court, we may need to apply for a Legal Aid certificate or Representation Order. The Client will be required to provide us with recent documents in regard to their finances and circumstance as required by the Legal Aid Agency. A further means and merit assessment would be carried out by the Legal Aid Agency to be able to determine their application at this stage. If the application is successful, we will continue to act for the client within the cost and scope limitation allowed by the legal aid agency. In most cases, the Legal Aid pays for disbursements in addition to our legal fees. Further information will be found in our Retainer letter to client or on client’s enquiry.

TYPES OF MATTERS:

Police station representation: paid by the Legal Aid Agency, from attending the police station to the final decision on the outcome by the Police. This is not means or merits tested.

Timescale: this depends on whether the matter is NFA’d, charged or released under further investigation. If NFA’d and charged, the matter can be concluded the same day. IF released under further investigation, the timescale depends on when the police conclude their investigation.

Magistrates court: Legal aid may be available depending on the nature of the matter. However, this is subject to means and merit assessment by the legal aid agency. Evidence of your means will be required by the legal aid agency.

Disbursements (medical, etc) will be met by the legal aid agency.
Timescale depends on the nature of the matter and court’s time/availability.

Non-legal aid Magistrates court matters: Solicitor’s cost range from £500 - £5000 (exclusive of VAT) or more depending on the nature of the matter, distance, etc incl. motoring offences.

Timescale depends on the nature of the matter and court’s time and whether the client pleads guilty or not guilty.
Disbursements (experts including medical, etc) from £50 - £3000 (exclusive of VAT) or more depending on the issues involved.

Crown court: Legal aid may be available. However, this is means and merit tested by the Legal Aid Agency. Even where qualified for legal aid, client may be asked to contribute towards the costs of the matter.

Disbursements: counsel fees – if covered by legal aid will be paid by the legal aid agency. If client is not qualified for legal aid, counsel fees can be from £700 - £10,000 or more (exclusive of VAT) depending on the nature of the matter.
Timescale depends on the nature of the matter and court’s time/availability.