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Speak to us
01215071030Book a Consultation
Birmingham · Walsall · Manchester · London
reception@aslsolicitors.co.uk
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Funding your defence
Clear, honest answers on the cost of your defence.
Cost should never stand between you and proper representation. Whether your case is funded through Legal Aid or privately, we explain exactly where you stand in plain English, from the very first call.
Three ways your case can be funded
How criminal defence is paid for.
Most criminal cases are funded by one of three routes. We'll tell you which applies to you before any work begins.
Police Station Representation
Advice and representation in the police station including our 24/7 attendance at your interview under caution is free to everyone, regardless of income or the offence.
Free
Always · No means test
Criminal Legal Aid
For most cases in the Magistrates' and Crown Court you may be entitled to Legal Aid, subject to a means and merits test. We check your eligibility and complete the application for you at no cost.
Means tested
We apply for you
Private Representation
Where Legal Aid isn't available or you'd prefer to instruct us privately for the fullest possible service we offer clear, agreed fixed fees with no hidden surprises.
Fixed fee
Agreed in advance
Understanding Legal Aid
Will I qualify for Legal Aid?
Legal Aid for criminal cases depends on two tests. Many of our clients qualify and we handle the entire application on your behalf.
The interests of justice test. Does the case meet the threshold of seriousness, for example, a risk of imprisonment or loss of livelihood? Crown Court cases almost always pass.
The means test. This looks at your income and outgoings. If you're on certain benefits or under the income threshold you'll usually qualify automatically.
Crown Court contributions. In the Crown Court even higher earners are covered, though a contribution from income or capital may be required and is often refunded on acquittal.
Not sure where you stand? We'll assess your eligibility on the first call at no cost and with no obligation.
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At a glance
What's covered, and when.
Stage of your case
Typical funding
What it covers
Police Station
Free for all
Advice before and during interview, 24/7 attendance, protection of your rights in custody.
Magistrates' Court
Legal Aid or fixed fee
Bail applications, case preparation, summary trials and sentencing hearings.
Crown Court
Legal Aid (contribution possible) or private
Full trial preparation, expert instruction and in-house higher-court advocacy.
Appeals & POCA
Legal Aid or private
Appeals against conviction or sentence, and confiscation/proceeds of crime proceedings.
Facing a Criminal Charge?
Our criminal defence team secures acquittals, reduced penalties and guides you from police interview to court.
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Private representation
Transparent fees, agreed in advance.
When you instruct us privately you'll always know what you're paying and why. Every private engagement begins with a clear, written fee agreement.
A fixed fee or clearly defined stages no open-ended hourly surprises
A written agreement setting out exactly what is included
Senior solicitor and in-house advocate on your case throughout
Flexible payment arrangements available on request
Client experience
Trusted at the most difficult moments.
Every hour counts in a criminal case. Speak to a defence solicitor now confidential, no obligation, and available around the clock.
Funding questions
Your questions about cost, answered.
Specialist criminal defence solicitors and higher-court advocates. Serious and complex crime, defended nationwide — 24 hours a day.
Specialist criminal defence solicitors and higher-court advocates. Serious and complex crime, defended nationwide.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
24 hours a day, 7 days a week