Thinking ahead - legal costs

[Mr3]

Hi all,

Sorry second question of the night :-)

I'm starting to be a lot more pragmatic about this now, and I'm thinking ahead as to the legal costs. I have zero pounds to my name right now, but earn reasonably well so can start saving.

What sort of legal costs over what sort of period do you think I should expect to pay if I have to defend myself in court?

[whatsgoingon?]

£25,000 - 45,000 ish

[Mr3]

I'd read similar! So essentially, if I don't have that money, I have to represent myself?

[myhome]

I've been quoted from £12000 (sol who attended initial interview and did sod all so wouldn't use him) to £42000 for legal team which specialises in historic FA's. You could apply for Legal Aid but not all solicitors take on legal aid cases.

[is there justice?]

In this sort of case, you won't be allowed to represent yourself.

Be aware that even if you are cleared, you cannot get your money back if you pay privately as far as I know, not sure about the legal aid rules. However the return on a good investment cannot be measured in cash if you have a great legal team.

Hopefully it won't come to that.

[Mr3]

Yes I hope so! So if you can't represent yourself, and you don't have the money (even if you earn ok) - I must assume you get legal aid?

[Cat]

Hi Mr3
Legal Aid is means tested based on your income. Not all solicitors will take on legal aid cases as they are paid by the case not by the hour for legal aid work. So you need to find an experienced solicitor in these matters who is willing to do the work on legal aid. You then have to fill out forms and show payslips and then based on your income you may or may not have to contribute too.
Cat

[Innocentguy1983]

Hi Mr3
Legal Aid is means tested based on your income. Not all solicitors will take on legal aid cases as they are paid by the case not by the hour for legal aid work. So you need to find an experienced solicitor in these matters who is willing to do the work on legal aid. You then have to fill out forms and show payslips and then based on your income you may or may not have to contribute too.
Cat

Hi there

I was very much in your position 8 to 9 months ago.. I did the legal aid forms and I had to contribute 13k before I would get any help. I earn around 50k and my wife 30. We could only get a junior barrister to. Even after we decided we didn't want legal aid.. It's a nightmare to cancel it.. For us anyway ... We had threatening letter from balifs asking us to pay!! Even when we were not going to take it!!

So.. My solicitor by some luck managed to obtain mr Ian lawrie QC to defend me.. In around 4 weeks time. Anyway... This cost me 9800 plus vat, my trial is a week long with a single complainent.

Hopefully that can help you get an idea.

Good luck my friend..

[Rights Fighter]

It really depends on the amount of work that has to be done, whether you have a QC or barrister, and how long a trial would last.

Nobody can say for certain how much any trial can cost without knowing the above. I know that the sol I work for averages out at around £42K give or take but it can be less or more, depending on the circumstances.