Our Fees

Not Guilty Pleas

If your intention is to plead not guilty, we recommend you give us a call for a detailed consultation on your case and for an explanation of the merits of any defence.

The overall agreed fee on a not guilty matter will vary depending on the offence you are charged with as well as the amount of work requirement and whether any experts are required to assist in your defence. We should be able to provide a quote over the phone after your free consultation.

Guilty Pleas

Our overall fees vary depending upon how complex your case is and what you would like us to do. For a free quote specifically tailored to your circumstances please email john.ruane@jhrsolicitors.com or call 02087983963. We would be more than happy to discuss your case.

To give you an idea of how we charge however, and to comply the SRA price transparency rules, we have set out below details of our typical charges. The below fees relate specifically to guilty plea matters. If you plead not guilty, then the fees will be different and will vary depending on the type of charge you are facing as well as the complexity of matter.

Where VAT is referred to below, please note that this will be charged at the applicable rate, which is currently 20%.

Our fees

Our fees will either be agreed with you as a fixed sum at the start of your case.

We can offer agreed fees in simple cases motoring cases where your intended plea is one of guilty.

If you are facing only one charge, and the case does not carry with it any complexities, our agreed fee for a guilty plea would be £2000 plus VAT (£2400). This fee will cover all necessary work as well as the fee for your barrister/advocate attending on the day of the hearing.

If the hearing is adjourned for any reason, then the usual fee to cover any additional hearings would normally be £1000 plus VAT (£1200). The fee could rise to up to £3000 plus VAT (£3600) depending on the complexity of the case, the seniority of counsel with conduct of the hearing and the reasons for the adjournment,

Legal aid is not normally available for these types of cases and so clients typically pay these fees themselves. If you are likely to be eligible for legal aid funding, we shall guide you accordingly.

The above fees do not include fees for special reasons arguments, nor do they cover the instruction of expert witnesses.

Our fee includes:

  1. An unlimited telephone call/meeting to take your detailed instructions in relation to the offence and your mitigation.
  2. Advice on character statements.
  3. Ongoing support throughout the case.
  4. Communicating with the police/CPS/Court if appropriate.
  5. Providing advice on likely sentence.
  6. Advice on what to expect when you get to Court.
  7. Advocacy in Court and representation by either a solicitor advocate or barrister.
  8. Post hearing guidance and advice on the merits of an appeal.

It will not always be possible to help people in drink driving cases for this fee as some cases are more complicated. For example, this fee does not include additional work which might be needed in more complicated or contested cases such as:

  • The cost of instructing an expert witness;
  • Taking statements from witnesses;
  • Advising or assisting with any appeal.

If you contact us, we can you give you a quote for your particular case.

It would not normally be necessary to undertake other work or incur other costs other than those described above. However, we would be very happy to provide you with a more tailored quote for all stages of your particular case once we know about your specific circumstances.

Most Legal Expenses Insurance (LEI) clauses will cover the policyholder for around £50,000 to £100,000 worth of legal fees. It is often the case that less serious offences require much less than this amount, ensuring comprehensive coverage for the duration of the legal process. For example, minor motoring offences such as speeding or driving without insurance can often be resolved swiftly and with relatively minimal legal costs.

However, for more complex or serious cases—such as charges of dangerous driving, drink or drug driving, or even causing death by dangerous driving—the financial support offered by an LEI policy becomes particularly invaluable. These cases often involve extensive legal representation, expert witnesses, and potentially lengthy court proceedings, all of which can significantly increase costs.

It’s important to note that not all policies are created equal, and the coverage provided under your LEI can vary significantly. Some policies may have limitations on the choice of solicitor, which means you could be required to use a panel solicitor appointed by the insurer. This may not always be ideal, especially if you want to work with a specialist motoring offences solicitor of your own choosing. At JHR Solicitors, we can review your LEI policy to ensure you get the representation you deserve while making the most of your coverage.

If you’re facing a driving offence and have Legal Expenses Insurance, it’s vital to act quickly. Inform your insurer about the legal assistance you require and make sure you understand the terms and conditions of your policy. By doing so, you can focus on building a robust defence while minimising financial strain.

Contact Us for Expert Assistance

At JHR Solicitors, we have extensive experience in assisting clients with driving offences under LEI policies. Whether you need guidance on how to utilize your insurance or expert representation in court, we’re here to help. Call us today for a free initial consultation.