CRIMINAL DEFENCE FEES
We provide fixed-fee quotes in suitable cases for hearings in the Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court.
The fees below are intended as a guide. If your case becomes more complex, involves additional hearings or requires further preparation, we’ll explain any change in costs before carrying out further work.
Where a fixed fee is not appropriate, we’ll provide an estimate based on our hourly rates and the likely work required.
Criminal Fixed Fees
The prices below are exclusive of VAT. VAT is charged at the prevailing rate, currently 20%, where applicable.
| Type of Hearing | Magistrates’ Court | Crown Court |
|---|---|---|
| Guilty plea | From £950, up to two hearings | From £1,000 |
| Adjourned hearings | £250 | £450 |
| Not guilty plea, trial for one day | £2,000 | £3,000 |
| Each additional trial day | £500 | £750 |
| Appeal against sentence | Not applicable | £1,500 |
| Appeal against conviction | Not applicable | £2,500 |
These figures are a guide only. We’ll confirm the fee once we understand the allegation, the evidence, the number of hearings and the likely preparation required.
Police Station and Criminal Defence Advice
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full advice and attendance at a police station, benefit fraud interview or overpayment interview | £600 | Fixed fee where appropriate |
| Consultation and advice, up to one hour | £120 | Initial advice appointment |
What Is Included?
Taking Instructions
Discussing the background, allegation, evidence and your instructions.
Case Review
Considering the prosecution papers and advising on the issues in the case.
Advice on Plea
Advising you on plea, evidence, likely sentence and possible outcomes.
Hearing Preparation
Preparing mitigation, trial strategy, submissions and relevant documents.
Advocacy
Representation at the hearing where the fixed fee applies.
Communication
Routine correspondence with you, the court and the prosecution.
Disbursements
Disbursements are expenses payable to third parties. These are separate from our legal fees and will be explained to you in advance where they are likely to apply.
Barristers’ Fees
If a barrister is required to represent you in court, their fees will be additional to our charges.
From £500 to over £10,000 + VAT
Expert Witness Fees
In some cases, expert evidence may be required. Expert fees are separate from our charges.
Usually £1,000 to £4,000 + VAT
Other Third-Party Costs
These may include interpreter or translation costs, courier fees, travel expenses, medical reports or other external services required for your case.
Can You Recover Your Costs?
In some circumstances, a privately paying defendant may be able to recover some of their legal costs if they are acquitted or otherwise successful. This is usually dealt with through a Defendant’s Costs Order.
Any recovery is usually limited to specified legal aid rates. This means there may be a shortfall between the amount recovered and the amount owed to your legal representatives.
Magistrates’ Court Proceedings
If you are acquitted in the Magistrates’ Court, you may be entitled to recover some costs under a Defendant’s Costs Order, subject to the applicable rules and rates.
Crown Court Proceedings
If you are acquitted or otherwise successful in the Crown Court, you may be able to recover some costs, usually limited to specified legal aid rates and subject to eligibility rules.
What Can Affect the Cost?
Complexity of the Case
More serious or complex allegations usually require more preparation and detailed advice.
Number of Hearings
Additional hearings may increase the overall cost of the case.
Volume of Evidence
Large amounts of prosecution evidence, CCTV, phone evidence or witness material may increase preparation time.
Need for Experts
Some cases require expert evidence, reports or specialist advice, which may involve additional costs.
Need Criminal Defence Advice?
Contact us to discuss your case and receive clear guidance on your options, likely costs and next steps.
Book a Consultation