Introduction

Stratford Solicitors will always deliver pragmatic advice based on your individual requirements and we will always explore with you your options to help you to work out what is likely to be the best course of action for you in your circumstances.

We will always be transparent about our fees and will speak with you to discuss the details of your case in more detail and let you know how we may be able to assist. We do not charge for this initial call.

The work that we do is normally based on a fixed fee basis since we believe that this gives our clients as much clarity as possible about the costs of their case.

We will normally ask that you pay an initial instruction fee on account once you decide you would like to instruct us to represent you. This means that we can start working on your case and provide initial advice regarding plea and how best to proceed.

What is involved?

The work that we do will vary according to the nature of the representation that we are providing to you.  In general, our fees includes:

• A consultation with the person dealing with your case, either in person or on the phone.
• Considering the evidence, taking your instructions and providing advice on the evidence, plea and likely sentencing options
• Attendance and representation at a single hearing at the Magistrates Court.

This on the basis of 2 hours attendance/preparation.  If the matter is more complex or there are other factors involved then we may need to charge more.

In particular the fee quoted below does not include:

• instruction of any expert witnesses
• taking statements from any witnesses
• advice and assistance in relation to a special reasons hearing
• advice or assistance in relation to any appeal

The key stages of your matter are based on the presumption that you have entered a guilty plea and have a date for your hearing.

• Meet with your solicitor to provide instructions on what happened.
• We will consider initial disclosure, and any other evidence and provide advice.
• Arranging to take any witness statements if necessary (this will have an additional cost, of £190 per hour).
• We will explain the court procedure to you so you know what to expect on the day of your hearing, and the sentencing options available to the court.
• We will conduct any further preparatory work, obtain further instructions from you if necessary and answer any follow up queries you have.
• We cannot provide a timescale of when your hearing will take place, as this depends on the court listing for that day.
• We will attend court on the day and meet with you before going before the court. We anticipate being at court for e.g. half a day.
• We will discuss the outcome with you. If advice is required on appeal, this will carry an additional cost.

To assist you, we’ve set out estimates of likely overall costs below, although bear in mind that these are only on the basis of straight forward matters:

All of the above costs are estimates based on our experience of such cases and we will always provide you with a bespoke quotation following instructions based on the nature and complexity of your matter.  This will be confirmed to you in writing.

Where fixed fees do not apply our hourly rates are:

• Preparation and advocacy – £220 per hour + VAT (20%).
• Travel and waiting is charged at a reduced rate of £95 per hour + VAT (20%).
• Letters and emails out, and telephone calls, are charged at £22 + VAT (20%) each. We do not make a charge for incoming letters or emails.

However, where we have agreed a fixed fee, hourly rates will not be charged for work within the scope of the fixed fee.

The above prices do not include disbursements. These are costs that we incur on your behalf in relation to your matter and may include expert’s fees, medical reports or any other payment on your behalf. If any disbursements are necessary in your case, we will discuss these with you in detail and obtain your prior authorisation before they are incurred.

Usually, the only disbursements will be in relation to expert’s charges, for example a forensic expert in drink/driving cases.  These can range from around £300 plus VAT but, in very rare cases, can go up to around, or even in excess of, £1,000 plus VAT. It may also be necessary to obtain more than one expert report depending on how the case progresses.  We do not charge for mileage or parking as a disbursement in addition to our fees.

We will want you to make a payment on account in relation to any such payments.

It is difficult to estimate the fee for this type of work as it will depend on the number of witnesses and whether expert witnesses are required, but a case involving a trial in the magistrates will usually incur costs between £1500 and £3000 plus vat.

Plea in Mitigation

Plea in Mitigation (pleading guilty) where we will attempt to reduce any fine or sanction to the minimum possible. This is usually carried out on the basis of a Fixed fee of £800 plus vat for a case with one hearing only, a case with 2 hearings £1300 plus VAT (20%)

How long will my matter take?

It is difficult to give any estimate as to how long a matter such as this will take as it depends upon the stage in the process at which we are instructed.

In relation to the majority of offences, the Police have 6 months from the date of the incident to commence court proceedings. Some Police forces serve papers within weeks of the offence whilst others may wait until that 6 months is almost up. You do not have to be served with the Court papers within 6 months, the Police merely have to start the process in that time. Consequently, it may be 7-8 months from the date of the offence before you actually attend Court.

So far as your hearing is concerned, you will be expected to be fully prepared. If you are ready then you are likely to find that on most guilty pleas the time taken will be in the region of 30 minutes whereas it can be substantially longer for a not guilty case.

Other than that, time scales for a case will usually be: 

• 2 hours prior to the hearing which may include attending you, considering the evidence, taking your instructions, advising you about your options including the normal progress and procedures attributable to you case and the possible outcomes of your case
• 2 hours attending court and representing you at court
• 1 hour travel to and from court

Who Will be Carrying Out the Work