Criminal Legal Aid Support

If you are acquitted, any income contributions already paid are refunded. Capital contributions may still apply in some cases, depending on your financial circumstances. What Happens If You Are Convicted? If you are convicted, contribution payments already made are kept and may be increased up to the full cost of your defence, but never more than the legal aid rates

If you are not eligible for legal aid, you can still instruct us privately. We offer:
Transparent fees
Fixed-fee options where appropriate
Clear advice on costs from the outset
We will always advise you honestly whether legal aid or private funding is the best option for your situation.

Being investigated or charged with a criminal offence can be stressful and overwhelming. Many people are entitled to criminal legal aid, which can cover some or all of the cost of legal representation. This page explains what criminal legal aid is, how it works, who is eligible, and what contribution orders mean.

Speak to a Serious Crime Lawyer

What Is Criminal Legal Aid?

Criminal legal aid is government funding that helps pay for legal advice and representation if you are under investigation or facing criminal charges. Legal aid can cover:

Advice at the police station
Representation in the Magistrates’ Court
Representation in the Crown Court
Ongoing legal advice and case preparation

The aim of criminal legal aid is to ensure that everyone has access to justice, regardless of their financial circumstances. Legal Aid at the Police Station If you are arrested or asked to attend a police station for interview, you are entitled to free and independent legal advice, regardless of:

Your income
Your savings
Your employment status

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What Is a Contribution Order?

A contribution order is a requirement to pay towards the cost of your legal representation if you can afford to do so. There are two types: Income Contribution Orders

Paid monthly for up to 6 months
Based on your disposable income
Only apply while your case is ongoing
Capital Contribution Orders
Based on savings, property, or other assets
Usually assessed at the end of the case
May require a lump sum payment

What Happens If You Are Found Not Guilty?

What If You Do Not Qualify for Legal Aid?

Legal Aid in the Crown Court

If your case is sent to or starts in the Crown Court, the Interests of Justice Test is automatically met. You will still be assessed under a means test. Depending on your finances:
You may receive legal aid without paying anything, or
You may be required to pay a contribution order

How We Can Help

We can:

Check your legal aid eligibility
Apply for legal aid on your behalf
Advise you on contribution orders
Represent you at the police station, Magistrates’ Court, or Crown Court

If you are under investigation or facing charges, contact us as soon as possible for expert criminal defence advice.

This advice is always free and does not need to be paid back. You can:

Ask for a solicitor of your choice, or
Use the duty solicitor scheme

We strongly advise never attending a police interview without legal representation. Legal Aid in the Magistrates’ Court To receive legal aid in the Magistrates’ Court, you must pass two tests: 1. The Interests of Justice Test This considers whether you need legal representation due to factors such as:

Risk of imprisonment
Complexity of the case
Risk to your reputation or livelihood
Need to question witnesses or present legal arguments
Your ability to understand or deal with the case yourself

If this test is not met, legal aid will be refused regardless of income. 2. The Means Test This assesses your financial situation, including:

Income
Savings
Outgoings
Dependants

If you qualify financially, legal aid may be granted in full or with a contribution.