Legal Aid

ALL ADVICE FOR CLIENTS AT THE POLICE STATION IS NORMALLY FREE SUPPORTED BY LEGAL AID REGARDLESS OF YOUR INCOME.

If charged and your case is going to court you may still get free advice - it depends on a number of factors.

In simple terms legal aid can pay our costs if the charge is serious and you are on a low income. Middle and higher income earners can get legal aid if the case goes to the Crown Court but are likely to have to pay a contribution. If disposable income exceeds £37,500 you will not likely to qualify. Your partner's income and savings are included in the calculation.

More up to date information can be found direct from the Ministry of Justice website HERE

If you are on basic state benefits or if your income is below £12425 a year (including any partner) you are likely to qualify. If you are above that amount you may still qualify depending on your housing costs and some other expenses.

All legal aid applicants must complete form Crim 14 - you can do so via this link: CRIM 14

Leave blank any tricky legal questions for us to do.

Applicants not on basic state benefits or earning above £12425 per year will need to also complete form Crim 15 (see Crim 14 for further guidance) - you can do so via this link: CRIM 15

Some questions on the Crim 15 require further answers on a continuation form known as Crim 15c. You can complete that form via this link: CRIM 15C

Full guidance on the completion of the forms can be found HERE

CLICK HERE for important information concerning your potential financial liabilities if you are convicted in the Crown Court and were legally aided.