Criminal Pricing

We are committed to providing our clients with upfront clear information about the costs of pursuing their matter in order that they make informed decisions.

In respect of Criminal Litigation we are able to represent you under Legal Aid where available. Legal Aid is not however available for all types of Criminal Prosecutions.

Where Legal Aid is not available we are able to deal with Criminal matters on the basis of either traditional hourly rate charging or fixed fees. Legal Aid is most commonly not available for summary only motoring offences.

Fixed Fees

Each case is unique and distinct, the fee we are able to agree for dealing with your matter will depend upon the work we anticipate that will be involved in the proper conduct of it. We will be able to agree that fee with you at your initial consultation when we know precisely what will be involved, however we offer standard fixed fee packages.

Our fixed fees involve dealing with all necessary aspects of your case. In order to keep those fees competitive and offer a significant reduction from our hourly rate charging, the services included are specifically agreed.

Advice and Assistance:

The one off fee of £200.00 plus VAT includes one hour attendance / preparation at our offices including:

• Considering the evidence;
• Taking your instructions;
• Advice on the law, procedure and sentence.

Summary Only Motoring Offence Guilty Plea Fee:

The fee of £500.00 plus VAT includes:

• Considering evidence;
• Taking instructions;
• Advice on plea;
• Advice on sentence;
• Attendance and representation at a single hearing at the Magistrates' Court;
• Advice on appeal.

The fee does not include:

• Instruction of expert witnesses;
• Taking of witness statements;
• Preparation and representation in relation to special reasons hearings;
• Representation at any adjourned hearings;
• Assistance in preparing and submitting any appeal.

Fixed fees can be discussed in respect of Proceedings for all other Criminal Offences on a case by case basis.

Hourly Rate

Most clients prefer the certainty of fixed fees, however we are able to deal with your matter on a traditional hourly rate charging basis.

A preliminary point needs to be stressed - the hourly rate which you pay must cover not only training, knowledge and expertise of the Solicitor, but also staff and office running costs. All letters and telephone calls (whether made or received) are counted as a minimum of six minutes. If any letter or telephone call represents a longer time involvement then the time will be specifically noted on the file and will be costed accordingly. Please bear in mind that our time is your money. Therefore, whatever you can do to reduce our time involvement will save you money. For our part we will try to work as efficiently and effectively as possible. For example, we will not send unnecessary letters nor make unnecessary telephone calls, help us to help you. Our current charging rates are as follows:

Grade A - Senior Partners, Directors and Solicitors with over eight years post qualification experience (currently our Mr Ian Anderson, Mr Bal Singh Minhas and Mr John Didsbury): £350.00 per hour;

Grade B - Partners, Directors, experienced Solicitors and experienced Legal Executives with over four years post qualification experience (currently our Mr Shaun Finnigan)): £233.00 per hour;

Grade C - Other qualified Solicitors and Legal Executives: £189.00 per hour;

Grade D - Trainee Solicitors, Paralegals and equivalent: £134.00 per hour.