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Funding your Case
We pride ourselves in providing the highest quality legal advice to all our clients irrespective of how their case is funded.
Every person has the right to free and independent advice when at the police station. That is the case whatever your financial circumstances might be. If you are to appear before the Magistrates' Court you can apply for legal aid to cover the costs of your defence. Legal Aid enables people who would not otherwise be able to afford a lawyer to have the same level of representation as those who can. |
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Legal Aid in the Magistrates' Court is subject both to a financial test and also an "interests of justice" test. If you qualify for legal aid in the Magistrates' Court, you will have no contribution to pay to the costs of your representation. We can advise you fully about the application process free of charge.
If your case is to go before the Crown Court then Legal Aid is again subject to a financial test. However, the system is different to that for Magistrates' Court cases, and if you are granted legal aid you may have to pay a contribution towards your defence costs if you can afford to so so. Again, we can advise you free of charge.
If you are not eligible for legal aid, our fixed fees start from £250 excluding VAT and disbursements for guilty pleas. The fee includes 1 hour attendance/preparation, considering evidence and advocacy at the Magistrates' Court (providing the case lasts no more than half a day).
The fixed fee does not include instruction of any expert witnesses, taking statements from any witnesses, or any contested hearing including special reasons or exceptional hardship arguments. There is an assumption that the travel time is no more than 1 hour for the whole journey and the case is finalised on the first hearing. Travel disbursements are not included.
As part of the service we will obtain evidence from the prosecution, discuss this with you, providing clear and concise advice in relation to it. We will explain court procedure, and the likely outcome of your case. If necessary we will answer any follow up queries as well as any advice on a potential appeal.
If you are summonsed to Court or charged with a driving offence it doesn't necessarily mean that you will lose your licence or even get any points on your licence. There are many different ways to avoid endorsements or driving disqualifications including "special reasons" arguments and "exceptional hardship" arguments.
Our specialist lawyers can provide expert advice at all stages of the process from police investigations to handling your case at court. If you have already been disqualified from driving, we can also assist you in making an application to have your disqualification removed.
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to deal with your case and to ensure that you have access to the best legal advice as and when you need it. All our solicitors have over 20 years of experience in motoring law.
If your case is to go before the Crown Court then Legal Aid is again subject to a financial test. However, the system is different to that for Magistrates' Court cases, and if you are granted legal aid you may have to pay a contribution towards your defence costs if you can afford to so so. Again, we can advise you free of charge.
If you are not eligible for legal aid, our fixed fees start from £250 excluding VAT and disbursements for guilty pleas. The fee includes 1 hour attendance/preparation, considering evidence and advocacy at the Magistrates' Court (providing the case lasts no more than half a day).
The fixed fee does not include instruction of any expert witnesses, taking statements from any witnesses, or any contested hearing including special reasons or exceptional hardship arguments. There is an assumption that the travel time is no more than 1 hour for the whole journey and the case is finalised on the first hearing. Travel disbursements are not included.
As part of the service we will obtain evidence from the prosecution, discuss this with you, providing clear and concise advice in relation to it. We will explain court procedure, and the likely outcome of your case. If necessary we will answer any follow up queries as well as any advice on a potential appeal.
If you are summonsed to Court or charged with a driving offence it doesn't necessarily mean that you will lose your licence or even get any points on your licence. There are many different ways to avoid endorsements or driving disqualifications including "special reasons" arguments and "exceptional hardship" arguments.
Our specialist lawyers can provide expert advice at all stages of the process from police investigations to handling your case at court. If you have already been disqualified from driving, we can also assist you in making an application to have your disqualification removed.
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to deal with your case and to ensure that you have access to the best legal advice as and when you need it. All our solicitors have over 20 years of experience in motoring law.
Do you want an appointment to discuss these issues?
Call us on 01942 771771 or email us at enquiries@sms-solicitors.co.uk
Call us on 01942 771771 or email us at enquiries@sms-solicitors.co.uk
