How much?

[mumpleasehelpme]

Hi could someone please tell me, how much a average false allegation of rape would cost my son if he cannot get legal aid?

[tiger mum]

cost of defence

Hi - the advice we were given was that it depended very much on whether it was magistrates or crown court. I'm afraid we were quoted anything between £40,000 and £80,000 if it went all the way to a full trial. My son was only 14 at the time of the offence so if they had charged him they also had the option of Youth Court which would have been swifter as most of the witnesses would have given video evidence which is a speedier process. My son's solicitor explained that at each stage we would be given a fixed price for the solicitor's services. He said the price Barristers charge varies considerably. Although I suppose that as a minor my son would have qualified for legal aid, I wanted to be prepared to engage a specialist of our choice rather than being given someone we weren't comfortable with. As the police are have decided its NFA we don't have to consider this anymore - however the info might give you a fuller idea of the costs fighting this independent of legal aid might be. I gathered the barrister representation at trial would be the most expensive element of the defence - I got the impression you cannot mix and match with legal aid - but I might be wrong - I'm sure someone will be along with a clearer run down of the facts. You must be worried sick - just been out with the dog with my lad and we were just saying its only now - two weeks after the NFA the fog of worry is lifting. He actually said he was looking forward to summer! Hope things get sorted for you soon x

[myhome]

I have been quoted between £12000 and £42000. RF has advised that the £12000 is unrealistic and she finds it difficult to understand how a legal team could do a proper defence for that amount. The way I look at it, my freedom is priceless and if it ever gets to that stage I will pay for the best