Crown Court Representation

The Crown Court usually deals with more serious offences such as murder, rape, robbery and very serious assaults. These are known as “indictable only” and can only be dealt with in the Crown Court, although they start in the magistrates’ court.

Some offences, for example theft, fraud, less serious assaults, and the possession or supply of drugs are known as “either way” and may be dealt with in either the Crown or the magistrates’ court, depending on their level of seriousness. In some of these cases, you can choose where you wish to be tried and we will advise you about this.

In the Crown Court, trials are heard by a judge and jury, otherwise by a judge alone.

All Crown Court cases start in the Magistrates’ Court.

The Crown Court also deals with appeals against decisions of the Magistrates’ Court. Appeals here are heard by a judge and two lay magistrates.

Private Representation for the Crown Court

We no longer offer legal aid, but our fees are reasonable, agreed with you in advance and there are no hidden extras.

We have many years’ experience of Crown Court cases of every type, and recently we have secured Crown Court acquittals in murder, rape and other serious cases.

We have access to the most experienced barristers and higher courts advocates, (both in-house and independent), on your behalf. The Prosecution will always be represented by an experienced barrister or higher courts advocate and so it makes sense to be represented by your own experienced lawyer.

If you would to talk to a solicitor about representation in the Crown Court, call us or fill out a contact form.

Legal Aid for Crown Court Cases

Legal Aid is available automatically for most Crown Court cases. However, currently around 1 in 4 defendants have to contribute towards their defence costs.

There is a Means Test and you may have to pay a substantial monthly contribution to the Legal Aid Agency. If you are acquitted, this is repaid. The contribution calculation can be complicated.

If your legal aid application was made on or after 27th January 2014, you will be ineligible if you have an annual household disposable income of £37,500 or more.

The Legal Aid Agency have created this Criminal Eligibility Excel Calculator to give you an indication of your eligibility for legal aid support before any means test is carried out at court.

You can find a guide on how to use the calculator here.

We no longer deal with legal aid cases, but we can represent you privately if you wish.

 

Freephone:
0808 250 7430