Diagnostic Appointment
We offer an initial 1-hour appointment, where we will discuss your case and confirm our advice in writing, for a fee of £150 +VAT (£30) = total £180.
This may provide you with all of the advice you need. However if further assistance is required we will be happy to discuss with you the potential further costs. Below are examples of these costs.
Guilty Plea
The fixed fee for advice and representation on a guilty plea at the first hearing is £300 (+VAT £60) = total £360, unless there is an issue of Exceptional Hardship or Special Reasons.
Exceptional Hardship
There is an additional fee in the range of £350 (+VAT £70) to £500 (+VAT £100) = total between £420 and £600, depending on the complexity of the case, where we will be arguing against disqualification under the ‘totting up’ provisions.
Special Reasons
There is an additional fee in the range of £250 (+VAT £50) to £500 (+VAT £100), = total between £300 and £600 depending on the complexity of the case, where there are ‘special reasons’ to argue against disqualification or endorsement of penalty points.
Not Guilty Plea and Trial
The fixed fee for representation at the first hearing on a not guilty plea is £250 (+VAT £50) = total £300.
Further costs to prepare the case for trial will be dependent on the complexity of the case but usually start from £500 (+VAT £100) = total £600.
Services may include, but not be limited to:
- Considering prosecution evidence;
- Taking your instructions (on the phone or in-person if location permits);
- Providing advice on the plea and likely sentence, options available at court in relation to sentencing or trial issues (including case management information) where a not guilty plea is advised;
- Drafting witness statements;
- Drafting instructions to experts (where required);
- Explaining the court procedure so that you are aware of what to expect at court;
Timescales
Guilty Plea – In most cases of a guilty plea the case will conclude on the day of the first hearing. If there are any complexities requiring adjournment the case will usually conclude within 4 weeks thereafter.
Not Guilty Plea – The majority of contested cases will conclude within a 4 month period on current time scales for the court in South Yorkshire. This time scale may differ for different parts of the country.
We will aim to give a more accurate expectation of timescale on discussion of your case. In relation to timescales for cases to be heard in the Magistrates’ Court this can vary, and the average current wait times is up to 4 months. In light of this we cannot give you a time and date your hearing will be considered. However, we will make enquiries with the court to give an approximate date the matter may be heard.