Our Fees
We will be able to assess whether you are eligible for legal aid. If you are not eligible and wish to have private self-funded representation, we can offer you fixed fees or a cost estimate. You can discuss your case with us on the telephone, in person and we can also visit you in prison, if necessary.
We aim to be transparent fees. Legal aid is available for our criminal defence matters, although this is subject to means assessment test conducted by the Legal Aid Agency.
Professional Fees
Our initial fee packages for Motoring Offence cases depend on the seriousness of the offence and the amount of work involved in preparing the case. Our fixed fees begin from £1,500 up to £3,500 + VAT.
We offer hourly rate services in relation to complex matters. Our current hourly rate for a senior solicitor is £450 per hour.
Below is a list of indicative fixed fee prices we offer for regular case types. The applicable rate of VAT is currently 20%. For more complex case types we may offer to work only at an hourly rate:
1. Standard guilty plea cases: This includes advice on the papers, a meeting in advance and advocacy at one hearing to support a plea in mitigation after a guilty plea – £1,500.00 plus 20% VAT. We would advise on the merits of an appeal, but the fee does not include the conduct of an appeal.
2. Exceptional hardship guilty plea cases: This includes advice on the papers, a meeting in advance and advocacy at one hearing to support a plea in mitigation asserting exceptional hardship– £1,200.00 plus 20% VAT. We would advise on the merits of an appeal, but the fee does not include the conduct of an appeal.
3. Contested Cases (trials, contested facts at sentence and special reasons pleas): This includes advice on all papers, all necessary litigation, all necessary meetings with you or witnesses, advocacy at the first day of trial hearing – £3,500.00 plus 20% VAT. If the trial hearing goes beyond 1 day, then a refresher fee is charged based on the counsel's daily fee. We would advise on the merits of an appeal, but the fee does not include the conduct of an appeal.
4. Statutory declarations to quash convictions in absence – £200.00 plus 20% VAT on papers, £300.00 plus 20% VAT if attending a hearing. This includes meeting with you to take instructions, draft the application and serving it.
We request payments on account but are willing to accept instalments in the build up to the final hearing. You can discuss any such arrangements with the Solicitor who has conduct of your case.
Disbursements
Disbursements are not included in our professional serves fess, and court representation by counsel/advocate is charged separately. In the event additional work or preparation is required, we will inform you at the time and/or in advance.
We will provide an estimate of costs prior to you agreeing to engage us. One reason we might not offer a fixed fee is the need to instruct an expert witness. Expert witnesses are occasionally required and would be charged as a disbursement. While it is not possible to outline all types, toxicology reports (in drink and drug driving cases) cost in the region of £400.00 – £1,000.00 plus 20% VAT and crash scene investigator’s reports are in the region of £2,000.00 plus 20% VAT.
Private Fees
VAT
Please note that all fees including disbursements will attract VAT at 20%