Transparent pricing for expert criminal defence representation. We offer Legal Aid for those who qualify and competitive rates for private clients.
At Woolfe & Co Solicitors, we believe clients should have clear information about legal costs from the outset. Depending on your circumstances and the type of criminal case, representation may be available free of charge under Legal Aid, on a fixed-fee basis, or at an agreed hourly rate.
We will discuss funding and likely costs with you before undertaking privately funded work.
£0 – Free of charge
If you are arrested and detained at a police station, you are entitled to free and independent legal advice, regardless of your income or financial circumstances.
Our police station assistance can include:
If the police ask you to attend voluntarily for an interview under caution, sometimes called a voluntary interview or Caution +3 interview, free legal advice and representation will normally be available in the same way.
You should consider obtaining legal advice before answering police questions, even where you have not been arrested.
Some clients choose to instruct Woolfe & Co Solicitors privately where they require additional preparation, ongoing advice or work outside the scope of publicly funded police station assistance.
Private fees
From £150 to £500 + VAT per hour
depending on the seniority and experience of the solicitor or representative dealing with your matter.
Private work may include:
We will explain the likely costs before undertaking privately funded work.
Legal Aid may be available for criminal proceedings in the Magistrates' Court.
Eligibility will normally depend upon the applicable means test and interests of justice test.
Where you qualify, Woolfe & Co Solicitors can advise you about applying for criminal Legal Aid.
Where Legal Aid is unavailable, or where you prefer private representation, we can provide a quotation based upon the circumstances of your case.
Indicative hourly rates
| Fee Earner | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Police Station Representative / Caseworker | From £150 + VAT |
| Junior Solicitor | From £200 + VAT |
| Solicitor | From £250 + VAT |
| Senior Solicitor | From £300 + VAT |
| Partner / Senior Criminal Defence Solicitor | From £350–£500 + VAT |
Where appropriate, we may agree a fixed fee rather than charging by the hour.
The quotation will depend upon the allegation, amount of evidence, number of hearings, anticipated preparation and complexity of the case.
Legal Aid is available for qualifying Crown Court proceedings, subject to the applicable Legal Aid rules and financial assessment.
Depending upon your financial circumstances, you may be required to make contributions towards the cost of your defence.
We can advise you about Legal Aid eligibility and assist with the application process where appropriate.
We also accept privately funded Crown Court cases, including serious and complex criminal allegations.
Private fees will depend upon:
Following an initial assessment, we can provide an estimate or, where appropriate, agree fees for particular stages of the proceedings.
Barristers', King's Counsel and experts' fees may be charged separately.
Legal Aid is not generally available for many road traffic offences. We therefore offer fixed-fee and hourly-rate representation, depending upon the case.
We can assist with matters including:
Junior Solicitor
from £200 + VAT / hour
Senior Solicitor / Partner
from £350 + VAT / hour
Where the circumstances allow, we may provide a fixed-fee quotation before work begins.
The exact work included will be confirmed in writing before you instruct us. Depending upon the agreed package, a fixed fee may include:
Additional hearings or substantial additional work outside the agreed scope may result in further fees. We will explain this to you before carrying out chargeable additional work.
Every criminal case is different. The final cost of privately funded representation may be affected by:
We aim to give you as much certainty about costs as reasonably possible at the beginning of your case and will keep you informed if circumstances change.
Woolfe & Co Solicitors can provide privately funded representation in serious and complex criminal investigations and prosecutions, including:
Due to the nature of these cases, fees are normally assessed individually after we understand the allegations, evidence and anticipated work.
Where appropriate, we can arrange an initial consultation to discuss:
We believe everyone deserves expert legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. Legal Aid is available for those who qualify.
Call us to discuss your eligibility for Legal Aid. We'll help you understand your options at no obligation.
Call 01582 380938We offer flexible payment options to make our services accessible.
We accept all major debit and credit cards
Direct bank transfer available
Flexible payment plans available
Certain cases available at fixed prices
Common questions about fees and Legal Aid.
Eligibility for Legal Aid depends on your income, savings, and the nature of your case. If you receive certain benefits or have a low income, you may qualify. Contact us to discuss your eligibility.
Legal Aid can cover police station attendance, court representation (Magistrates and Crown Court), and appeal proceedings. The level of cover depends on your eligibility and the seriousness of the case.
Depending on your financial situation, you may need to contribute towards your legal costs. We'll discuss any potential contributions during your eligibility assessment.
Yes, we provide free initial consultations and will give you a clear quote before you instruct us. There are no hidden fees or surprises.
We accept debit/credit cards, bank transfers, and offer flexible payment plans. We'll discuss payment options that suit your circumstances.
Whether you qualify for Legal Aid or need private representation, we're here to help. Contact us for a free, confidential discussion about your case and costs.
Your call is confidential and protected by solicitor-client privilege.