Pricing Transparency
Legal Aid Funding
We are contracted with the Legal Aid Agency (LAA) and will apply for funding wherever possible. Legal Aid is granted based on two main criteria:
- Interests of Justice (Merits) Test – representation is considered necessary if your case involves a risk of imprisonment, complex legal issues, or if you may be unable to present your case properly. Crown Court cases normally meet this test automatically.
- Means Test (Financial Eligibility) – funding depends on your income, savings, and assets. Some applicants automatically qualify if they are on certain benefits. Contributions may be required but are typically refunded if you are acquitted.
If Legal Aid is not available, we will provide a clear written estimate of private fees.
How Our Fees Work
Our fees vary depending on:
- The complexity of the case (from summary offences to Crown Court trials)
- Stage of instruction (pre-charge advice, police station attendance, court proceedings)
- Court level (Magistrates or Crown Court)
- Expertise required, including collaboration with leading counsel or expert reports
We provide written estimates at the outset, and any additional costs are explained before work is carried out.
Private Paying Fee Structure (Indicative / Placeholders)
Service
Fee (from)
Notes
£125 p/h
Reviewing evidence, witness statements, and correspondence
Attendance / Meetings
£125 p/h
Advocacy / Court Representation
£175 p/h
£20 p/h
Mileage
Charged from office to location of attendance and return journey.
Fixed Fee Agreements (Non Complex Cases)
For less complex cases, we may offer a fixed fee agreement. This provides:
- Clear, predictable costs for your legal representation
- Inclusion of preparation, attendance, and advocacy for standard hearings
- Transparency about any additional costs outside the fixed fee
Fixed fee agreements will be discussed and confirmed in writing prior to instruction.
For contested hearings such as trials and ‘Special Reasons’ applications we are able to offer a fixed fee of £1000 plus VAT. Again, based on a hearing taking place in the West Yorkshire court area. Included within the above fixed fee is the following;
- Review of your case papers
- 1 hours consultation with a member of our criminal team prior to your first hearing
- Preparation of your case for trial or special reasons application
- Representation at up to two court appearances
- Advice on appeal subject to the outcome of the hearing
RCM Solicitors reserves the right to amend and review the fixed fee nature of the agreement subject to changes in instructions and developments in the case which render the case non-complex.
Motoring Offences Fixed Fee Agreements
We also offer fixed fee arrangements for some motoring offences. In instances where the case is likely to conclude within the first hearing such as guilty plea and mitigation hearings and exceptional hardship hearings which conclude at the first hearing. We offer a fixed fee of £500 plus VAT. This is on the basis of the hearing taking place at a court within the West Yorkshire court area. Included within the above fixed fee is the following;
- Review of your case papers
- 1 hours consultation with a member of our criminal team
- Representation at a single court hearing
- Advice on appeal subject to the outcome of the hearing