Funding Your Case – Criminal Law (Legal Aid)
We hold a contract with the Legal Aid Agency which means that we can represent clients who are eligible for legal aid. However, due to restrictions on what we can claim in traveling time and costs, we no longer represent clients in magistrates’ courts that are more than 50 miles from our offices in Hemel Hempstead.
Legal Aid in the Magistrates’ Court
In the magistrates’ court, legal aid may be available if you are financially eligible (the “means test”) and if it is deemed to be in the interests of justice for you to be granted legal aid (the “merits test”).
Legal Aid – Means Test
If you are under 18 years of age you will automatically be financially eligible. Please see the table here for financial eligibility for adults.
Legal Aid – Merits Test
In addition to being financially eligible for legal aid, the case must be sufficiently serious or complex to warrant a grant of legal aid. The following are some examples of when a case might qualify for legal aid:
- You are under the age of 18.
- It is likely that you will receive a prison sentence
- It is likely that you will lose your livelihood.
- It is likely that you will suffer serious damage to your reputation
- A substantial question of law is involved
- You may not be able to understand the court proceedings or present your own case
- Witnesses need to be traced and statements are taken from them (this may be relevant if you need an expert witness in your case)
- It is in the interests of another person that you be represented (examples may include if the case is a domestic violence allegation)
This list is not exhaustive and you should always call us to discuss whether you are likely to be eligible for legal aid.
Legal Aid in the Crown Court
Everyone is entitled to legal aid in the crown court unless your disposable household income is greater than £37,500 per annum. If your income exceeds £37,500, you will probably have to pay a contribution towards your legal aid.
If your disposable household income is greater than £37,500 please contact us to discuss the matter in further detail.
Recovering Legal Aid Contributions
If you are found not guilty after trial or if your case is discontinued, you can reclaim any contributions you have made to legal aid.
If you have been charged with an offence, or if you are on police bail or under investigation for an offence, please call us on 01442 242999 or email us at hello@wheldonlaw.co.uk to see how our expert criminal defence team can help you.
What Our Clients Have Said
Amazing team at Wheldon Law, and in particular, Tina, did an extremely thorough and professional job shepherding our dog through the process of immigrating to the UK. We have had the happiest possible outcome, and are enjoying life with our dog in our new home.
Wheldon Law are so professional, so caring and will do anything to ensure the absolute best possible outcome for your case. I would like to thank especially Aleksandra and Alice for all they did for me. Both of them were absolutely incredible and Aleksandra is the reason I won my case. I honestly had lost all hope until I found Wheldon Law, they have changed my life in the best possible way.
I cannot describe how much Wheldon Law helped to save my dog, without their expertise in dog law I would not have my dog with me today. Thank you to Tina and Aleksandra for all their help. If you ever need help on dog law, Wheldon Law is the best.
Wheldon Law have represented two family members of mine and in both cases done so with so much care, compassion and very professionally. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone.
Represented my friend in court to help get his confiscated dog returned to him. With odds unfairly stacked against him, Wheldon Law managed to sift through the lies and help the truth shine through and justice be served.
Outstanding law firm. They went above and beyond to help us. I would very highly recommend them to everyone.
Friendly, helpful, professional. Really know their stuff and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.
Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value.
Friendly, helpful advice given regarding road traffic law and potential problems. Would recommend.
Amazing team and Wheldon who will go that extra mile to be there for you. I would recommend Wheldon as first point of call. Very impressed. Thank you ever so much.
Can’t thank this company enough. Within 3 days of contacting them I got my precious Ollie back after 9 weeks of heartbreak. I highly recommend Wheldon Law for any dog problems you may have. Thank you.
Wheldon Law looked after my case when I was charged with a serious offence in the Crown Court. I can honestly say they were fantastic from start to finish. The level of service was impeccable in all aspects. I dealt with Alice the whole way through and nothing was too much trouble. Great, great firm.
Wheldon Law was brilliant from start to finish when I was taken to crown court for something I didn’t do. Everyone was so helpful. Tom was brilliant with explaining how things would work at court and helping with any questions. Thankfully I was acquitted of all 3 charges against me. I cannot thank Wheldon Law enough.
Excellent experience with the firm and especially Aleksandra. She was very professional and clearly explained to me how the case will go and the possible outcomes. Aleksandra was very helpful all the way and achieved a great outcome at court for me. Thank you so much again.