What Does a Typical Case Involve?
The work covered by our fixed fee includes:
- An initial meeting with you.
- Advising on the strength of the case against you.
- Guiding you on your plea.
- Advising on the likely sentence.
- Preparing for the sentencing hearing.
- Attending and representing you at the sentencing hearing.
- All travel and waiting time at court.
The fixed fee does not cover:
- Advice on appeals.
- Conduct of “Special Reasons,” “Exceptional Hardship,” or “Newton Hearings.”
- Taking statements from witnesses, except for character witness statements.
- Travel time and costs if the case is handled outside of the local court.
Assumptions We Have Made:
- Your case will be resolved in one hearing.
- Your case will not involve presenting evidence for “Exceptional Hardship” or “Special Reasons.”
- Your case will not require a “Newton Hearing” (held to determine the basis of your guilty plea), which is rarely needed.
- Your case will not involve obtaining expert witness evidence.
What Could Make Your Case More Complex?
- If the case has an international element.
- If evidence needs to be presented by you or others for a “Special Reasons” or “Exceptional Hardship” argument, or in a “Newton Hearing.”
- If the case involves death, serious injury, or substantial damage resulting from the driving incident.
- If technical evidence, such as Tachometer data or vehicle defect analysis, needs to be interpreted.
How Much Would a Typical Case Cost?
During an initial one-hour appointment (charged at £300 per hour plus VAT), we will assess the evidence, advise on your plea and likely sentence, and discuss pricing options for further case preparation and representation at the initial hearing.
Typically, these cases take approximately six hours to advise on, prepare, and attend court for representation. If you choose to pay on an hourly rate, the estimated cost is £1,800 plus VAT.
Alternatively, you may opt for a fixed fee of £2,000 plus VAT, which, while slightly higher, eliminates uncertainty if your case is not promptly addressed on the hearing date. (Court hearings are often delayed due to high case volumes.)
What Additional Costs Might Arise?
The only additional expense we anticipate is travel costs.
How Long Does a Typical Case Take?
Most guilty plea cases are resolved at the first hearing, which usually occurs within four weeks of the charge or summons.
