Case funding options
Privately Funded Cases
If you are not eligible for legal aid, our team of solicitors and advocates can assist you and prepare your case on a private basis.
Please contact us to discuss our competitive rates and flexible methods of payment. In the event that your case is successfully defended, it may be possible to recover some or all of your costs from the Court or the other party. We would prepare this application on your behalf and lodge it with the appropriate Court.
Where we charge VAT this is at 20% or at the prevailing rate as set by the government.
Legal Aid
Police Station
If you are arrested and find yourself in a Police Station, you are automatically entitled to free and independent legal advice. This also applies if you are interviewed by appointment with the Police (under caution), UK Border Agency (formerly Customs and Excise) or the Benefits Agencies. We provide all our clients a first class service and help you through the interview process and beyond, if necessary.
Legal Aid in Criminal Proceedings
This firm contracts with the Legal Services Commission and provides Legal aid for representation in the Magistrates Court and the Crown Court. You must apply for legal aid and submit this to the magistrates’ court where your case is being heard.
Two tests will be applied, both of which must be passed to get free legal assistance:
- The Interests of Justice test considers the ‘merits’ of the case which can include your previous convictions, nature of offence and risk of custody.
- The means test considers your financial position which includes household income, capital, and household outgoings. This test will determine whether you will be liable for any of the defence costs.
If you need assistance to make applications for legal aid please contact us and we will advise you in relation to whether you are eligible and how to make the application.
Legal Aid in Family Proceedings
We now are able to offer clients family legal aid. Family legal aid covers the following areas:
- Divorce and finances
- Private Children Act Proceedings
- Care and Adoption Proceedings
However, not everyone is eligible for legal aid. In order to be eligible you have to pass a means test (which is based on income) and a merits test. If you claim certain benefits the you will meet the means test. If you earn an income evidence will need to be provided for your application to considered by the Legal Aid Agency.
The merits test is usually met if it is in the interests of justice for legal aid to be granted and there is evidence of domestic violence, this can be through a criminal conviction at Court, a non-molestation order, a GP letter or letter from a refuge. Legal aid can also be granted in cases where people suffer from mental health issues. Again, evidence of this has to be provided.
If you are unsure as to whether you can apply for legal aid, then please contact Kate Maddison and she will be able to advise you accordingly.
