Criminal Defence
Whether it is an interview under caution at the Police Station, or an appearance in a Magistrates’ or Crown Court, our experienced lawyers are here to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Penmans hold a Legal Aid franchise to provide legal representation from experienced and accredited Solicitors, who are members of both the Police & Court Duty Solicitor Schemes.
When it comes to Crown Court cases, our connections with experienced Barristers provide a formidable criminal defence service that one would expect from a well-established and respected firm. Whatever crime you are accused of, from minor road traffic matters through to murder, sexual offences to organised crime and drug offences, we are here to help.
Our understanding and supportive lawyers and staff treat all matters in the strictest of confidence and continually recognise the importance that clients place upon defending their human rights, being treated fairly and with dignity and wanting the best legal advice and representation that is available.
Everyone has the right to FREE and independent legal advice at the Police Station, whether under arrest, or attending for a voluntary interview under caution. Our lawyers are available 24 hours a day, every day and contrary to what you may have heard, it does not make you look guilty by having a Solicitor present. Having legal representation not only ensures that your rights are protected, but also gives you the advantage of finding out the allegations against you and what evidence the Police have, all before the interview commences and before you decide whether to answer any questions.
Whether you are due to appear at the Magistrates’ Court, due to attend the Youth Court with your child, or face serious charges in the Crown Court, contact us today to find out if you are eligible for representation under the Legal Aid Scheme. Having professional legal representation, either from one of our lawyers, or together with our team of tried and trusted Barristers from local Chambers, is vital to ensure that you, or your family members, are treated fairly and to secure the best result achievable in your case. If you do not quality for Legal Aid, our private rates are highly competitive, so you can still take comfort in knowing that you are well represented.
Standard Fixed Fees
If representation under the Legal Aid Scheme is not available, we can offer a fixed fee service for most matters, such as motoring offences, or for some minor offences that are often dealt with by the Magistrates’ Court.
For guilty pleas and where the case is likely to be dealt with at your first Court appearance, our fees range from £495.00, plus VAT to £690.00, plus VAT*, depending upon whether a Report is required from the Probation Service.
For cases that go to trial in the Magistrates’ Court, our fees for your first appearance at Court, including all preparatory work and advice upon the Prosecution evidence, are £495.00, plus VAT,* with a further fixed fee required for the trial ranging from £750.00 – £1,500.00, plus VAT*. We are unable to provide a “one fee fits all” approach to Magistrates’ Court trials, as they depend upon the complexity of the case, the number of witnesses, the length of the trial and the amount of preparatory work involved, including meetings with you and any defence witnesses.
- Tailored Fixed Fees
Certain cases do not fall neatly under our Standard Fixed Fee service. In some cases that go to trial, or in dealing with ‘exceptional hardship’ or ‘special reasons’ arguments in motoring cases, we can provide a tailored fixed fee, depending on the nature of the case and the amount of work required. Prices start from £800.00, plus VAT*. We will agree with you in advance what is to be included in your tailored fixed fee.
By way of example, our estimate for a half day argument in a motoring case, based upon 5 -7 hours of work, including taking your full instructions, preparation of your case and representation at Court, would be £1,225.00 – £1,715.00, plus VAT*.
- Private Hourly Rates
The majority of our work is carried out under fixed fees. However, in some cases, hourly rates are more appropriate. You are free to choose to instruct us on an hourly rate basis as follows:
David Latham – £245.00, plus VAT*
Shelley Dundee – £195.00, plus VAT*
The number of hours it will take to deal with your case can vary greatly; we will provide an estimate of hours once we have the details of your case. This will normally include time in taking your instructions, preparing your case for Court and thereafter representation. Travelling and waiting are charged at half the hourly rate. Mileage is charged at 54p per mile.
* If a Court attendance is not at a local Court, then there may be an additional charge for travel costs and disbursements, such as parking.