Bond Joseph is a specialist and experienced criminal law firm that has been awarded a contract by the Legal Services Commission to provide publicly funded criminal defence services. We also have a strong reputation for providing effective and proactive criminal defence work.
Much of the type of work that we undertake, is paid for by the Legal Aid Agency. Ultimately the aim is to ensure everyone in the community has access to justice and that those who cannot afford to defend themselves, are assisted by the Government.
However, the Government will not pay for every type of work or for every client. Those who do not qualify for financial assistance with their fees, will have to pay some or all of them personally.
Police station representation
Any person who is arrested and taken to a police station, will automatically qualify for free legal advice. Bond Joseph are available to attend a Police station 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Anyone choosing to call their own solicitor, rather than use the duty solicitor, may still be covered, as long as their solicitor works within a firm that has a legal aid franchise. The Legal Aid Agency cover our fees for one attendance upon you at the Police station and if the matter stops there, you will have no fees to pay. Further pre-charge advice and assistance in relation to the same matter will unlikely be covered under the scheme.
If a person is taken to the police station for interview, and they are not arrested but still require a solicitor, they may be entitled to free help but it will depend on the facts of the case. If you find yourself in this situation, you must ensure that you contact Bond Joseph or insist that the investigator does so on your behalf.
REPRESENTATION AT COURT
If you are charged with a criminal offence we will make an application to the Court for a Legal Aid Order to cover the costs of preparing and conducting your defence.
That application is subject to the Court being satisfied that it is in the interests of justice that you be represented and that you are financially eligible for representation at public expense.
If you are not eligible for Legal Aid, or opt for our Private Aid service, we charge for work carried out for you according to the amount of time spent and the number of documents and letters produced or received.
Click here for detail of our PRIVATE AID service.