Legal representation is incredibly important in cases of criminal law, as it is these types of cases which can see strict penalties incurred (both financially and personally). If you are the complainant, you need to be confident that your representation will pursue your case with tenacity and will make sure justice is served. If you are the defendant, being properly guided through the proceedings and defended ably by a legal professional is the best way you can protect yourself from unfair fines or jail time.
Cases of criminal law can range from the incredibly serious – such as fraud, drug trafficking, or violence – to the more mundane, such as drunk and disorderly behaviour. In some cases it may not be necessary to have a legal representative, or you may be eligible for publicly funded counsel. If the case is being heard in the Magistrate’s Court, you may be eligible for public funding if your case meets the Interest of Justice criteria and you pass a Means Test. You can also apply for a Legal Aid Order, which will carry over to the Crown Court if your case is passed on. Some well known legal firms have Criminal Defence Contracts with the Legal Services Commission, and can thus carry out publicly funded cases. If you do receive a Legal Aid Order and are employed and earning over the designated annual income, you may have to pay some of your funding back as part of a Recovery of Defence Costs Order (RDCO), although this is something you can discuss with Legal Aid and your representative.
Cases of criminal law can range from the incredibly serious – such as fraud, drug trafficking, or violence – to the more mundane, such as drunk and disorderly behaviour. In some cases it may not be necessary to have a legal representative, or you may be eligible for publicly funded counsel. If the case is being heard in the Magistrate’s Court, you may be eligible for public funding if your case meets the Interest of Justice criteria and you pass a Means Test. You can also apply for a Legal Aid Order, which will carry over to the Crown Court if your case is passed on. Some well known legal firms have Criminal Defence Contracts with the Legal Services Commission, and can thus carry out publicly funded cases. If you do receive a Legal Aid Order and are employed and earning over the designated annual income, you may have to pay some of your funding back as part of a Recovery of Defence Costs Order (RDCO), although this is something you can discuss with Legal Aid and your representative.