What is a Trial?

A trial will take place if you plead not guilty.

Are you entitled to free advice?

What is included in the Fixed Fee?

The fixed fee includes:

• Obtaining and considering all disclosure from the prosecution 
• All necessary face to face meetings with you to take your instructions and give advice
• All necessary telephone calls and correspondence with you
• All necessary telephone calls and correspondence with the prosecution
• Advocacy in a local (Weston super Mare and Bridgwater) Magistrates’ Court at all necessary hearings up to and including the first day of trial

The fixed fee does not include:

• If you are convicted or unsuccessful, any financial penalties imposed by the court
• Advocacy at a court that is not local
• Any appeal against conviction or sentence to the Crown Court (this should be covered by legal aid)
• Any committal for sentence to the Crown Court (this should be covered by legal aid)
• Extra days if the trial is likely to last more than one day

Why pay a Fixed Fee?

By paying a fixed fee at the start of your case you have certainty about the costs involved. The alternative is to pay an hourly rate (£220 plus VAT) for the time your solicitor spends on your case.