Trials
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One thing I am finding it impossible to research is how much a trial would cost if someone pleads not guilty. Don't think we could claim legal aid. Does anyone have any experience of this? I'm guessing tens of thousands but can't find an approximate figure.
My OH pled not guilty and we were quoted £30,000 by a well known solicitor in this sector, we couldn't afford that but we're lucky to have been accepted for legal aid. There maybe solicitors in your area who would charge less xx
Thanks that's really helpful. Is it only paid once the trial actually takes place? I know CPS often drop charges before trial if the evidence isn't strong enough.
I'd like to message you re solicitors but you have messaging disabled. It's just the name of someone. He's a specialist in the area but definitely doesn't cost £30k!
oh I didn't realise I'd disabled messages! I'll open them again, thank you for the suggestion x
I saw a guy in London advertising his rates. Quite transparently to be fair to him. But he wrote that for a multi-day trial where there was over 300 pages of evidence (not impossible when modern phone downloads are concerned) he would charge £65,000 + VAT! On what planet should achieving a fair outcome by a jury of your peers, in the name of justice, cost more than a deposit on a house!?
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/solicitors-guideline-hourly-rates
The rates vary according to where they are based and the level of experience of the solicitor. I'm sure I read once, that a day in crown court costs about £1,200.
Typically a guily plea outside of London would be between £3k and £6k, so it would surprise me if a trial cost more than 12-15k.
Of course if you are in London, then you will pay a lot more.
The rates vary according to where they are based and the level of experience of the solicitor. I'm sure I read once, that a day in crown court costs about £1,200.
Typically a guily plea outside of London would be between £3k and £6k, so it would surprise me if a trial cost more than 12-15k.
Of course if you are in London, then you will pay a lot more.
Thanks Edel. That would be much more reasonable. It's confusing researching the amount because a lot of the figures are about how much it costs the court service in tax-payers money to run a trial. Rather than solicitors/barristers fees.