Legal Aid and Fixed Legal Fees

Clarkson Hirst Solicitors

Police station

Police station advice is free without means testing. It is funded by the Legal Aid Agency and we have contracts at our Lancaster, Kendal and Barrow offices with the Legal Aid Agency to provide you with free legal advice at the police station.


Magistrates Court

You are entitled to criminal legal aid for representation at the Magistrates Court. Criminal legal aid is subject to a merit and means test which we would be happy to undertake without any charge. Please contact one of our solicitors for advice on whether you are entitled to criminal legal aid.


Crown Court

You are entitled to legal aid at the Crown Court but may have to pay a contribution depending on your means. Please contact one of our solicitors for advice on your entitlement to legal aid at the Crown Court.


Private payers

We offer a fixed legal price for representing you at court. Please enquire of one of our Criminal Defence Specialists who will provide you with a price for your case.

Our fees range between £360 (including £60 VAT) and £1200 (including £200 VAT) for summary only guilty plea cases.

The fee does not include :-

  • Instruction of any experts.
  • Taking statements from any witnesses.
  • Advice or assistance in relation to an appeal.

The Key Stages of your matter based on the presumption 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 from the prosecution and any other evidence and provide advice.
  • Arrange to take any witness statements if necessary. This will have an additional cost of £120 including £20 VAT per witness.
  • 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. Court hearings generally last half a day to a full day.
  • We will discuss the outcome with you. We will advise you of your right of appeal.  If you wish to take advice on whether you should appeal, this will carry an additional cost of £360 including £60 VAT