Criminal Defence Specialists

The service includes:

• Considering evidence
• Providing advice in relation to plea and likely sentence
• Where we cannot anticipate a likely sentence, advice on the options available to the court for sentencing
• Where appropriate, advice on whether an exceptional hardship or special reasons argument can be made
• Representation at a single hearing
• Advice on appeal, if necessary

The process

1        Taking Instructions

At our first meeting which can be by telephone, you will provide us with initial information about what happened. We will consider this and other facts available and provide advice on how to proceed.

2        Considering Evidence

In the majority of simple motoring offences, the favoured option of the defendant is to try to mitigate the sentence at their hearing. We may recommend that evidence, such as witness statements or video footage, could assist in achieving this.

If so, we will take time prior to the hearing to compile and review such evidence, although this may carry additional cost which we would discuss with you, as well as prepare mitigation on your behalf.

3        Hearing Date

Prior to the date you have to attend court we will discuss court procedure with you as well as sentencing options available to the court and a likely outcome to your case.

We will then attend your hearing and represent you. We will discuss the outcome with you to ensure you fully understand it.

4        Appeal

If you wish to, and we believe there are grounds to, we can discuss, on the hearing day, your options regarding an appeal. This would carry no additional cost unless an appeal was decided upon in which case we would provide a separate estimate of further costs.

Timescales

These are beyond our control and wholly dependent on the court date allocate to your case

Please note

For cases heard in Courts other than Newport or Cwmbran travel time and mileage will be charged at an agreed rate in addition to the fee quoted above.

Expert witness fees, if any, will be charged separately but only if agreed in advance

Motoring Offences – Not Guilty Pleas

Below we set out an estimate for representing you in connection with a motoring offence where you wish to plead not guilty. Our fees are calculated by applying an hourly rate to time spent on your case. The estimated cost for this service is based on a typical case but no two cases are the same and Court delays and adjournments beyond our control can add to cost.

This estimate is for a typical not guilty plea to the following offences:

• Drink Driving
• Drug Driving (prescription or illegal drugs)
• Failing to provide driver Information when requested
• No Insurance
• Inexperienced Driver (less than 2 years since test passed) 6 points leading to revocation of test pass

Estimated Cost

£1,275 – £3,180 + VAT

5 – 12.5 hours at £255 per hour + VAT

Includes

• Considering evidence
• Providing advice in relation to plea and likely sentence
• Where we cannot anticipate a likely sentence, advice on the options available to the court for sentencing
• Where appropriate, advice on whether an exceptional hardship or special reasons argument can be made
• Instructing any expert witnesses
• Taking statements from any witnesses
• Preparing your defence
• Representation at a single hearing
• Advice on appeal, if necessary

Please note

For cases heard in Courts other than Newport or Cwmbran travel time and mileage will be charged at an agreed rate in addition to the fee quoted above.

Expert witness fees and barrister’s fees will be charged separately but only if agreed in advance

Timescales

These are beyond our control and wholly dependent on the court date allocated to your case