Police Station

✓ Free Legal Advice Regardless of Income – Anyone interviewed by the police under caution can receive free legal advice at the police station, ensuring equal access to justice regardless of financial situation, income, or capital.

✓ Available for Arrested or Voluntary Attendees – Free legal advice is available to both arrested individuals and those attending voluntarily (typically by prior appointment), ensuring all involved in the police process have access to legal support.

✓ Police Station Coverage – Legal aid covers advice and representation at the police station. Any work outside the station, such as preparation for interviews or return dates, must be privately funded.

Appeals

✓ Legal Aid Availability for Appeals – Legal aid may be available for some appeal cases, depending on your circumstances. We can assess whether you’re eligible for legal aid and explore private funding options if not.

✓ Understanding Time Limits for Appeals – Strict time limits apply for appeals from the Magistrates’ and Crown Court. You may appeal outside these limits, but there’s no automatic right. Seeking advice from a criminal defense specialist as soon as possible is essential to your case.

✓ Expert Guidance – It’s crucial to consult with a specialist at the earliest opportunity to navigate appeal processes effectively.
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Crown Court

✓ Eligibility for Legal Aid in Serious Cases – Most Crown Court cases pass the interests of justice test due to their seriousness. Defendants will only need to pass a means test to be eligible for a Representation Order based on disposable income.

✓ Clear Income-Based Criteria – If your disposable income is below the lower limit, you’re eligible for legal aid. If above the upper limit, you must pay privately. If between limits, you’ll receive legal aid with contributions based on your income.

✓ Refunds for Not Guilty Verdicts – If found not guilty, any contributions you made toward legal aid will be refunded.

✓ Understanding Contributions of Guilty Defendants – Defendants found guilty may be required to contribute towards legal aid costs from their capital.

Magistrates’ Court

✓ Start of Criminal Proceedings – All criminal cases begin in the Magistrates’ Court, with more serious cases referred to the Crown Court. This ensures less serious cases are properly handled before progressing to higher courts.

✓ Eligibility for Representation Orders – Individuals charged or summoned to the Magistrates’ Court can apply for a Representation Order to cover legal costs, subject to two tests: the interests of justice test and the means test.

✓ Interests of Justice Test – This test assesses the seriousness of the offence. Non-imprisonable offences (e.g., minor traffic or public order) generally do not pass the test.

✓ Means Test for Legal Aid – The means test evaluates income and capital. Only those who pass both tests are eligible for legal aid.