At the Police Station
Attendances for interviews at the police station are free of charge, regardless of your income and savings.
Attendances for interviews other than at the police station, for example, at the Benefits Agency or Council offices are free in most cases, where you are in receipt of benefits.
For Young People
If you are under 18, you will be entitled to Legal Aid and therefore free representation.
In the Magistrates Court
Legal Aid is usually available so long as the offence is deemed by the Court to be serious enough (the “Interests of Justice” Test).
If you are in receipt of certain types of benefit, you will be granted Legal Aid.
If you are working, including if you are self-employed, you may be entitled to Legal Aid (This is subject to the “Means Test”). The Court will assess your income and outgoings and decide whether you will qualify for Legal Aid.
If your net income is slightly over the limit, we can make an application that you should qualify for Legal Aid on the grounds of “exceptional hardship”.
In the Crown Court
Most people are entitled to Legal Aid in the Crown Court. This is subject to a means test.
If you are in receipt of certain benefits, you will automatically qualify for Legal Aid.
If you are not in receipt of certain benefits, for example if you are working or self employed, you may still be eligible for Legal Aid but may have to make a contribution from your income and capital. This will be refunded if you are found “not guilty” or the case is discontinued.
Refused Legal Aid?
We can act for you on a private basis.
We offer a London service at local rates.
We aim to keep our fees low. If you have to pay for representation and are later found “not guilty” or the case is discontinued, you may be entitled to a refund or partial refund of your legal costs
Please contact us to discuss our fees and costs in more detail.
