Family and Friends Forum

BelleBee

Member since
April 2020

149 posts

Posted Fri July 24, 2020 7:49pmReport post

Hello....

Are specialist solicitors worth it? My Husband is due in court in ten days and his current solicitor (public defender) hasn't been great. After speaking to LFF he was advised to explore using a specialist solicitor and has spent the day speaking to a few. He's currently suspended from work (but very likely to be sacked) but as yet he's not entitled to legal aid as he's being paid. He has been quoted £10k. We don't have this kind of money but can borrow it. Is it worth it? He's planning on pleading guilty but he has a number of mitigating circumstances.



Any advice would be welcomed. Thank you.

majestictopaz15

Member since
December 2019

371 posts

Posted Sat July 25, 2020 11:46amReport post

My partner didn't have a specialist but his original solicitor he got on with. He was charged with possession and distribution of iioc. Unfortunately at the sentencing his original solicitor was not available so had someone he never met before and he had to explain everything within 45 mins. I'm not sure if this is common but it made us feel uncomfortable. Especially since the charges had the wrong dates and we wanted it amended (stated the arrest was in July rather than June). But for some reason no solicitor for my partner put in this request in time.

But overall my partner got a suspended sentence, I assume the mitigating circumstances helped (rehab, remorseful, character references). A specialist might help reduce the stress of it all and provide more confidence since they more experience and training in sex offences.

Mabel

Member since
June 2019

208 posts

Posted Sat July 25, 2020 12:48pmReport post

Hi

I would say if you can afford it go with a specialist solicitor.
my partner is still Rui but we have a solicitor lined up for when it does all get going and the guy he has is excellent! He does go above and beyond for his services and my partner can contact him anytime, weekends,even just if he has a general question. Last year he even helped him when my partner got a DBS form to fill in, even tho that is not his field.

He has many years experience in the field of sexual offences and we really trust him and feel we are in the best hands with him.

I know it all boils down to what you can afford, it but piece of mind is I think really essential in our situations.

I wish you all the best

Mabel x x

Nonna

Member since
December 2018

85 posts

Posted Sat July 25, 2020 3:51pmReport post

I personally would say don't bother, 10,000 might not be the end of it that was just our solicitors fee, then a further 10,000 for the barrister in court ,

Sorry just my opinion

But please listen to others and weigh up your options

BelleBee

Member since
April 2020

149 posts

Posted Sat July 25, 2020 6:13pmReport post

Thanks for all your advice. Really appreciated.

Nonna - I'm confused/worried by the extra £10k you had to pay to the barrister! I'm not sure if we will have a barrister? It's a guilty plea. Can you tell me a little more?

E

Member since
December 2018

39 posts

Posted Thu July 30, 2020 11:32pmReport post

Hi BelleBee, we found a solicitor who specializes in these cases, he recommended a barrister. Total costs agreed at the start £3500 all in. Prices vary a lot. During lockdown all was done over the phone, no face to face meetings, but both attended court for sentencing. The barrister will stand up in court and fight for the best possible outcome.