There are two tests for legal aid:

Interests of Justice test: This looks at  the merits of the case. Factors can include  a person’s previous convictions, the nature of the offence, the risk of custody ,  and if you are at risk of a serious risk to your reputation.

Means test : This is a financial test looking at things like household income, capital, and outgoings. The calculator will work out if you are eligible.

If your  case is being heard in the Crown Court, and your  household disposable income is equal to or exceeds the financial eligibility threshold of £37,500, you  will not be granted legal aid and will be expected to pay privately. If your disposable income is less than £37,500 then the full means test will determine how much you  need to contribute towards your defence costs. This could be from your income, your capital or a combination of both.

If you are refused legal aid in the magistrates’ court or the Crown Court then you will be expected to pay privately for the cost of  your defence but if you  are found not guilty, you  can apply to reclaim some or all of your  defence costs from central funds .

If you do not qualify or can not afford the contributions to legal aid Rose & Dunn  offer a seamless service and will agree a fixed fee for representation.

Fixed fees

The table below  sets out our fixed fees for representation in the Magistrates court for any matter Including Motoring offences. We also provide details of fixed fees in some other  scenarios. The fees  relate to the key stages in the progression of your case.  The fee will  include:

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

The fee does not include:

• instruction of any expert witnesses
• A barristers fees (crown court only)
• taking statements from any witnesses

Key Stages 

The typical key stages of your matter are: 

1. initial consultation and advice 
2. first appearance at court 
3. Preparation for trial 
4. subsequent court appearances 
5. trial 
6. Sentence hearing if convicted or plead guilty 

The work may include any of the following: 

• Meet with your solicitor to provide instructions on what happened.
• We will consider initial disclosure, and any other evidence and provide advice.
• Arranging to take any witness statements if necessary (this will have an additional cost, of  £150 )
• We will 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.
• We will conduct any further preparatory work, obtain further instructions from you if necessary and answer any follow up queries you have.
• We cannot provide a timescale of when your hearing will take place, as this depends on the court listing for that day.
• We will attend court on the day and meet with you before going before the court. We anticipate being at court for half a day unless the case is listed with a specific time estimate such as a full day trial 
• We will discuss the outcome with you. If advice is required on appeal, this will carry an additional cost.

* All fees are will attract an additional charge of 20%  VAT

* All fees are based on representation at our local court in Warrington.  Additional fees will  be negotiated for out of area courts depending on the location. 

* Assistance at the police station is only free if you have not previously used a solicitor. If you have the fee is £300