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Anyone not hired a fancy lawyer

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Bondi

Member since
December 2023

50 posts

Posted Wed September 4, 2024 6:57amReport post

Hi, briefly looking at chats on here and lawyers are thousands and thousands which I really don't think is feasible!

Oh works and we have a mortgage so unlikely to be able to claim financial aid

Has anyone here experience of simply using the duty lawyer on the day?

Holdingthegrenade

Member since
June 2024

105 posts

Posted Wed September 4, 2024 11:19amReport post

Hi Bondi

Still awaiting the report to go to CPS & their response. Just used duty solicitor-but they've given us a name of someone who specialises if needed. If CPS do respond and there are charges then may have to look at fancy solicitor but my person is currently in a job and unlikely to qualify for legal aid. There are no savings and can't afford the £ for those type of fees.

edel2020

Member since
March 2022

342 posts

Posted Mon September 9, 2024 11:01amReport post

Duty solicitors are just high street solicitors and their fees are the same as anyone else in the local area. Obviously they tend to specialise in criminal work, but these kinds of offences are now so common, that they should have plenty of experience.

There are two things that really affect the cost. The first is location. London solicitors are allowed to charge twice as much as solicitors out in the sticks, so when looking at firms, check where their head office is based.

Second is time. A guilty plea takes less time and is cheaper than a not guilty. The fees that many quote up front are often for a 'retainer' and assume that a certain amount of work is going to be done. But if that work is not done, then you should get some of that money back.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/solicitors-guideline-hourly-rates