FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WILL I QUALIFY FOR LEGAL AID?

Whether or not you qualify for criminal legal aid depends on the type of case against you, the level of your income and the level of your outgoings. The decision on any application for legal aid rests with the Scottish Legal Aid Board but we will be able to tell you if your application is likely to be granted or not.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR LEGAL AID?

A registered legal aid provider will make an application on your behalf to the Scottish Legal Aid Board. We are a registered legal aid provider. It involves answering some questions about your financial circumstances and declaring your income and outgoings. The Board will likely wish to see a bank statement or other documentary proof of your finances which you provide to us and we then pass onto the Board. You do not require to have any direct contact with the Board.

HOW MUCH DO DEFENCE SOLICITORS CHARGE?

​If you qualify for legal aid and your application is granted by the Scottish Legal Aid Board then you will not be charged anything for your representation. If you do not qualify for legal aid then you would require to pay for your representation yourself. Here we prefer to offer people fixed fees which vary depending on the type of case and what’s involved as every case is different. We offer initial consultations free of charge during which we can tell you exactly what your case will cost should you wish us to represent you.

WHAT IS A CRIMINAL SOLICITOR?

Any solicitor with a valid practising certificate issued by the Law Society of Scotland can represent someone in a criminal court. However, we deal exclusively in criminal court work and have the expertise and experience to provide you with the best advice and secure the best outcome for your case.