Criminal Law Large & Gibson
We believe that everyone accused of a crime has the right to a strong, committed defence, and that every case is of vital importance to the accused.
From the most minor to the most serious offence, our approach is the same – detailed proactive investigation that explores every avenue with determined representation in the police station and at Court.
We are committed to providing you the best advice possible with a clear explanation of the law, and a sympathetic understanding of the importance of the case to you.
Our services include:
- Assault
- Benefit Fraud
- Blackmail
- Burglary
- Child Neglect
- Criminal Damage
- Domestic violence
- Deception & Dishonesty offences.
- Drugs - possession, cultivation, supply or intent to supply
- Firearms offences
- Fraud
- Murder or Manslaughter
- Offensive weapons or Bladed Articles
- Road Traffic Offences
- Robbery
- Sexual offences
- Theft or Handling Stolen Goods
- Trading Standards offences
Criminal Defence Services at the Police station and in Court
The Legal Services Commission provides publically funded legal help to people facing criminal charges through the CDS.
Everyone can get free legal advice and assistance if they have to attend the police station for questioning. Ask the police for an independent solicitor. It’s your right.
Means tested legal aid is available for representation in the Magistrates Court and in the Crown Court. You must fill in an 'Application for Legal Aid in Criminal Proceedings', which your solicitor will give you. If you do not fill in this form, you will not get legal aid. When you visit your solicitor, you should take evidence of your income with you, if you can. For example, if you're:
- on income or job seeking benefits
take your national insurance number or letter confirming your benefits - employed
take your latest pay slip - self-employed
take your latest full self-assessment tax return form or latest set of accounts.
You should apply for legal aid before you attend court if you can.
A contracted solicitors’ office (like ours) is one that has been specially approved and has a contract with the LSC to provide publicly funded criminal defence services. Contracted offices have been check thoroughly and to see that they meet certain criteria and provide a quality service.
If you are not eligible for legal aid we also offer competitive private rates.
Our fees
We know that seeing a solicitor often comes at a difficult and stressful time in your life. We aim to provide high quality legal advice combined with value for money, and believe our rates are extremely competitive.
Our costs commitment to our clients is:
- A transparent fee structure, agreed in advance
- Regular, fully itemised, billing
- Value for money
- No hidden extras
Our fees are calculated on an hourly basis, depending on the seniority of the lawyer working on the case, and the complexity of the matter. Our hourly rates are from:
- Partner - £200 per hour
- Solicitor - £175 per hour
- Caseworker or Trainee Solicitor - £120 per hour
- Letters and telephone calls - 10% of hourly rate
All fees exclude VAT and disbursements such as medical reports or interpreter fees if appropriate.
Complex cases may attract an uplift on the hourly rate, but this will be discussed and agreed with you in advance.