Services & Pricing

We appreciate that facing criminal proceedings for a motoring offence can be very worrying. We are committed to helping you through the whole process with as little stress as possible and that starts with being transparent with regards to our fees.

We will carry out an initial assessment to determine whether you will qualify for legal aid. If you qualify for legal aid, there is no charge for the work we carry out on your behalf. In all other cases, we charge £500 plus VAT (VAT at 20%) for representation in relation to summary-only motoring offences at all of our local courts.

This fee includes:

  • 2 hours attendance/preparation
  • Considering evidence
  • Taking your instructions
  • Providing advice on likely sentence
  • Our attendance and representation at a single hearing at the Magistrates' Court

If your case cannot be concluded at the first hearing, our standard hourly rates will apply in relation to all further work. Those hourly rates are based on the experience of the person dealing with your case:

  • Solicitors with over eight years' experience: £220 per hour
  • Solicitors with between four and eight years' experience: £180 per hour
  • All other solicitors and paralegals: £150 per hour

Criminal litigation can be uncertain. If your case is not disposed of at the first hearing, it is very difficult to anticipate the likely total costs that you will incur. However, we will endeavour to keep you fully informed of your likely costs as your case progresses.

If you plead not guilty and are acquitted, we can ask the court to consider making an order that some of your costs can be recovered from central funds. Reduced rates may be available depending on your means. Please feel free to contact us to discuss.

Additional costs

The fee does not include:

  • Instruction of any expert witnesses
  • Taking statements from any witnesses
  • Advice and assistance in relation to a special reasons hearing
  • Advice or assistance in relation to any appeal
  • Travel to anywhere other than our local courts

The key stages of your matter are based on the presumption that you have entered a guilty plea or will be entering a guilty plea and that you have a date for your hearing.

These stages include the following:

  • Meeting with us to provide instructions on what happened.
  • Considering initial disclosure and any other evidence and providing advice.
  • Explaining the court procedure to you so you know what to expect on the day of your hearing, and the sentencing options available to the court.
  • Conducting any further preparatory work, obtaining further instructions from you if necessary and answering any follow up queries you have.
  • Attending court on the day and meeting with you prior to going before the court. We anticipate being at court for half a day.
  • Discussing the outcome with you. If advice is required on appeal, this will carry an additional cost.

How long will it take?

We are unable to provide a timescale of when your hearing will take place, as this depends on the court listing for that day.