Services
Somerville Lahive will represent anybody who is to be interviewed by the police, or anyone facing allegations in the Magistrates’ Courts and Crown Courts. We also assist military personnel at both the investigation stage and through to Courts-Martial.
It is often easier to call us to discuss your matter so that a tailored quotation can be given but we are also obliged to set out as far as we can a costs estimate for common types of cases as below:
FOR TRAFFIC RELATED MATTERS BEFORE PLYMOUTH MAGISTRATES COURT
Fixed Fee: We operate fixed fees typically in the region of £300 -£600 + VAT depending on the nature and complexity of the case.
Fee includes:
- considering evidence
- taking your instructions
- providing advice on likely sentence
- Attendance and representation at a single hearing at the Magistrates Court
The fee does not include:
- instruction of any expert witnesses
- taking statements from any witnesses
- assistance in relation to any appeal
The key stages of your matter are based on the presumption that you have entered a guilty plea and have a date for your hearing.
- Meet with your solicitor to provide instructions on what happened.
- We will consider initial disclosure, and any other evidence and provide advice.
- We will explain 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.
- We will conduct any further preparatory work, obtain further instructions from you if necessary and answer any follow up queries you have.
- We cannot provide a timescale of when your hearing will take place, as this depends on the court listing for that day.
- We will attend court on the day and meet with you before going before the court. We anticipate being at court for half a day.
- We will discuss the outcome with you and provide you with advice on appeal if appropriate
If your case is before another Court please contact the office for a quote as additional costs will be incurred as a result of travel to the Court centre, this will include additional fees to cover our travel time as well as disbursements (mileage, bridge tolls and parking).
If you intend to plead not guilty and the case were to proceed to trial we can provide further information on costs but are likely to charge either an hourly rate of £277 plus VAT or we can agree a further fixed fee with you.
In the event any case involves the instruction of an expert, or obtaining of reports these costs are additional (disbursements) to any fixed fee quoted.
The Facts
You have the right to free independent legal advice if you are at a police station under suspicion of a criminal offence. This does not depend on your financial circumstances.
The Defence Solicitor Call Centre & the police have Somerville Lahive’s details and we provide 24-hour cover for police station attendances 7 days a week.
We also provide assistance in criminal investigations outside the police station such as those undertaken by DWP and local council.
If the decision is made to take a matter further we offer representation throughout the process either on Legal Aid or a private fee-paying basis.
Am I eligible for legal aid?
There are 2 tests that you have to pass, we will guide you through these:
Test 1
The Interests of Justice Test
e.g. If the case could result in imprisonment or it is too complex for you to be able to deal with without legal representation.
Test 2
The Means Test
You have the right to free independent legal advice if you are at a police station under suspicion of a criminal offence. This does not depend on your financial circumstances.
Free Legal Aid
To receive free legal aid, you will qualify if:
You are under 18
You receive Income Support, ESA or JSA.
Your annual income taking into account any partner and children is up to £12,475 or up to £22,325 depending on the results of a full means test.
Legal Aid
To receive Legal Aid with a contribution:
If you’d qualify for free legal aid but your case will be in the Crown Court you can still get legal aid, but with a contribution, provided your household income does not exceed £37,500.