Criminal Legal Aid Solicitors
In Bognor Regis, West Sussex

Welcome to MJR Solicitors. If you are facing criminal charges, clear and reliable legal advice can make a real difference from the outset. Our experienced criminal defence solicitors provide practical support for people seeking criminal legal aid, helping you understand your rights, your options and the steps involved in your case.

We believe access to justice should not depend solely on someone’s financial circumstances. Where legal aid is available, we can guide you through the process and help you secure the legal assistance you need.

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Home » Services » Defence & Criminal Law » Criminal Legal Aid

What is Criminal Legal Aid?

Criminal legal aid is a government-funded service designed to help people accused of criminal offences access legal advice and representation. Depending on the stage and type of case, the criminal legal aid service can cover free legal advice at the police station, advice before court and representation in criminal proceedings.

Who is Eligible?

Determining eligibility for criminal legal aid can feel daunting, but we can help you understand the process. Beyond free legal advice at the police station, eligibility usually depends on two tests: the interests of justice test, also known as the IoJ test, and the means test.

The interests of justice test looks at the seriousness of the offence, the merits of the case and the possible consequences, such as whether there is a risk of a custodial sentence. The means test reviews your financial position, including income, benefits, family circumstances and capital.

Some applicants, often called passporting applicants, automatically pass the means test through passporting if they receive passporting benefits such as Income Support, Universal Credit, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, State Pension Guarantee Credit or income-based Employment and Support Allowance. Where the required tests are met, this can make free legal aid available more quickly. However, they may still need to satisfy the interests of justice test, depending on the case.

Our criminal legal aid eligibility calculator can help you quickly check whether you may be financially eligible for legal aid. Higher earners may still be granted legal aid in some circumstances, but they may need to make contributions towards defence costs.

Expert Guidance from Solicitors

Our experienced criminal legal aid solicitors are here to support you at every stage of your case. From explaining your rights to preparing your defence and representing you in court, we provide clear legal advice focused on achieving the best possible outcome.

 

  • Honest advice
  • Personal one-to-one service
  • Dedicated firm
  • Local experienced team
  • Clearly explained costs

  • Honest advice

  • Personal one-to-one service

  • Dedicated firm

  • Local experienced team

  • Straightforward outlined costs

Getting Free Advice at the Police Station

When facing police questioning or arrest, it is vital to understand your rights before answering questions. You have the right to free legal advice at the police station, whether you ask for the duty solicitor or request your own solicitor.

This free advice is independent of the police and can help you understand the allegation, the interview process and the possible consequences. Our criminal defence solicitors can attend the police station where appropriate, support you during a police interview and advise you during the pre-charge stage of a criminal investigation.

For a less serious or minor offence, advice may sometimes be provided by phone depending on the circumstances. In more serious cases, or where attendance is needed, having an experienced solicitor present can make a significant difference to how your case develops within the criminal justice system.

Between the Police Station and Court

The period between the police station and court can be crucial in any criminal case. During this stage, evidence may be reviewed, witnesses may need to be contacted and your defence strategy should be carefully prepared.

Where available, criminal legal aid can provide public funding for preparation work, including reviewing evidence, interviewing witnesses and instructing independent experts, such as forensic or medical specialists, where this is necessary to challenge the prosecution case.

Our criminal defence team supports clients throughout the legal process, from ongoing police investigations to court proceedings and representation in court. We handle a broad range of criminal cases, including drug offences, violent crime, sexual offences and firearms offences.

To discuss our services, legal aid eligibility or applicable fees, please contact us for a consultation.

Getting Legal Representation at the Magistrates’ Court

Legal representation at the Magistrates’ Court can be important, especially where the allegation may affect your liberty, livelihood, reputation or future. For criminal offences, funding for representation in criminal proceedings usually depends on the interests of justice test and the means test. If granted, legal aid may be confirmed through a representation order.

Our criminal defence solicitors can guide you through court procedure, prepare you for your court appearance and represent you at hearings, trials and appeals. We regularly assist clients in the Magistrates’ Court and youth courts, including cases involving motoring offences such as dangerous driving.

Getting Legal Representation at the Crown Court

Skilled legal representation is especially important for cases heard at the Crown Court, where representation is usually subject to a means test, although Crown Court trials automatically satisfy the interests of justice test. Cases involving a possible custodial sentence are also more likely to meet the seriousness requirements for legal aid.

As part of the financial assessment, the applicant’s gross annual income is considered alongside family circumstances and other relevant factors to calculate adjusted annual income. If the adjusted annual income is £12,475 or less, funding may be granted with no income contribution. If it is more than £12,475 but less than £22,325, a full means test may assess disposable income after certain living costs. For Crown Court trials, applicants with annual household disposable income of £37,500 or more are generally not eligible for granted legal aid, although a hardship review may be requested where extra expenditure has not been taken into account.

MJR Solicitors offers experienced advocacy and support in Crown Court cases, ensuring your case is prepared and presented clearly. Our criminal defence team handles serious crime matters, including murder, sexual assault, serious fraud and investment fraud, with a focus on building a robust defence and achieving the best possible outcome at trial.

Make an Appeal

If you are dissatisfied with a court’s decision, you may have grounds to appeal. The appeal process can be time-sensitive, so it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible.

If legal aid for an appeal or related representation is refused after consideration, you may be able to seek a review of the decision or reapply if your circumstances change. Our criminal defence solicitors can advise you on the appeal process, potential costs and likely outcomes, and support you through the next stage of the criminal process.

What if you’re facing fraud charges?

Facing fraud charges can be stressful and overwhelming, particularly where the allegation involves serious fraud, investment fraud or other complex financial crime. Early legal advice is essential so that you understand the allegation, the evidence, the legal process and the steps needed to protect your position.

You should contact an experienced fraud representation solicitor as soon as possible. MJR Solicitors can review your case, answer your questions and begin trial preparation where required. Our crime lawyers and criminal defence lawyers regularly deal with prosecution cases and work to secure the best possible outcome for clients facing a wide range of criminal offences.

It is also important to follow legal advice carefully and avoid discussing the case with anyone other than your solicitor unless advised to do so.

What Is Changing for Solicitors and Firms

Criminal legal aid is an evolving area, and changes to legal aid services can affect both clients and the firms that provide representation. Recent government reforms have included increases to criminal legal aid fees, including changes to police station work, Magistrates’ Court fees, Crown Court fee structures and prison law fees.

These changes, together with wider sector developments such as consultation responses and judicial review outcomes, highlight the importance of sustainable funding for access to justice. MJR Solicitors remains committed to staying aligned with developments affecting the Legal Aid Agency, legal fees and criminal defence services, so that clients continue to receive clear, reliable support.

Criminal Legal Aid (Contribution Orders) Regulations 2013

The Criminal Legal Aid (Contribution Orders) Regulations 2013 govern when a person may need to contribute towards their defence costs. Depending on the outcome of the means assessment, a contribution order may require payments from income or capital if you can afford to pay towards your case.

Missed payments can lead to recovery action, and some money may be repayable depending on the case outcome. Our solicitors can explain your rights, obligations and options clearly before you make any decisions.

Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012

The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, often known as LASPO, is a key part of the legal aid framework in England and Wales. MJR Solicitors can help you understand how this legislation may affect your access to criminal legal aid, legal advice and representation.

Legal Aid (Disclosure of Information) Regulations 2013

The Legal Aid (Disclosure of Information) Regulations 2013 deal with how certain information may be disclosed in legal aid cases. MJR Solicitors can guide you through the requirements, explain what evidence or details may be needed and help protect your interests throughout your legal proceedings.

Means Testing

The means test is used to assess whether you are financially eligible for criminal legal aid. It looks at the applicant’s gross annual income, relevant benefits, family circumstances, living costs and available capital.

In some cases, gross annual income is adjusted to reflect family circumstances before the Legal Aid Agency considers whether further assessment is needed. A full means test may then look at disposable income after certain living costs.

If you fail the means test, or if you cannot afford the required contribution, you may be able to request a hardship review. This can take account of extra expenditure not previously considered and the likely costs of your case. MJR Solicitors can provide further information and help you understand how the means test may affect your application.

Access to Client Forms

We understand that applying for criminal legal aid can be complex. Applications are usually submitted through a solicitor or another registered legal professional, and the process may involve the relevant form, the interests of justice test and, where required, a means test.

Some applicants on qualifying benefits, such as income-based Employment and Support Allowance, may automatically pass the income element of the financial assessment through passporting. You may also be asked for further information, evidence, account details or reference information when documents are submitted through the criminal legal aid service.

We have compiled the key client forms in one convenient place. Click the links below to access the forms needed to apply for legal aid and take the first step towards securing representation.

Why Choose MJR Solicitors?

Choosing the right criminal defence solicitors can make a real difference when you are facing criminal cases. MJR Solicitors combines extensive experience with a personal, practical and professional approach.

We provide clear legal advice without unnecessary jargon, keeping you informed throughout the process and helping you understand your options at every stage. Our local experienced team is committed to strong client care, straightforward costs and focused representation designed to achieve the best possible outcome.

Summary

Criminal legal aid can help cover legal advice and representation for people accused of criminal offences. Free advice is available at the police station, while representation in the Magistrates’ Court or Crown Court will usually depend on the interests of justice test and the means test.

If legal aid is granted, a representation order may confirm funding for your case. If you are refused legal aid, or if you cannot afford a required contribution, you may be able to request a review or hardship review. MJR Solicitors can guide you through the legal aid service, explain your options and provide clear advice from the earliest stage of your case.

FAQs

Our happy clients are our results

"10/10 for everything. We were making simple wills and Mark was courteous, professional and gave us confidence in all he did. It was all straightforward."

Mr & Mrs Steele

Bracklesham

"Having never used a Solicitor before we found the whole experience easy, relaxed and, although a legal matter, it was informal feel whilst being professional. Mark was friendly and welcoming and on a level with us, coming across as a nice person you can relate to. He is very knowledgeable and offers excellent advice and information, answering all our queries."

Mr & Mrs Sharp

Hayling Island

"A massive thank you to Mark Riley and Beverley Rayner for allowing me to accompany them on a few occasions whilst they advised clients (in their capacity as duty solicitor) at the police station.

I’m currently working towards becoming an accredited Police Station Legal Representative, and so being able to observe Beverley and Mark in this role proved to be invaluable experience and an important addition to the personal study section of my portfolio. Thanks to their thorough, professional and sensitive approach with their clients, I have learned a huge amount. It has given me the grounding I need to continue towards my goal."

Mrs C

Rustington

"10/10 to all questions"

Mr L

Aldwick, Bognor Regis

"Thank you for your good work"

Mrs D

Pagham, Bognor Regis

"10/10 to all questions"

Mr B

Pagham, Bognor Regis

"Quality service quick and easy advice. Fees are great and no messing around. MJR cut staright to the point Got a motoring offence ?! Easily sorted from overseas. Definitely would recommend"

Mr P

New Zealand

"Thanks for sorting out my will also power of attorneys. Not a pleasant subject having to think about when I die, but it was done in terms I understood and quickly now it's something I don't have to think about. Thank you again."

Mrs H

Felpham, Bognor Regis

"10/10 for everything. Mark was very friendly and knowledgeable and explained everything simply in order for us to understand. Very efficient and helpful."

Mr & Mrs S

Bognor Regis

"Wouldn't use anyone else. Great help, advice and a superb professional service."

Mr R

Aldwick, Bognor Regis

"You have been very flexible regarding meetings.... and you have made a difficult time far less stressful. Very reassuring. Very straightforward and understandable."

Mr A

Oxfordshire

"Patient and Helpful" 10 out of 10 for all questions."

Mr S

Flansham

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Mrs E A Walters

Emsworth

"Definite 10 out of 10 to all questions, I think your service was excellent and I cannot think of how to improve it. Everything was dealt with most efficiently and my sister and I were very pleased."

Mrs E R Hector

Bognor Regis

"10/10 for everything. Mark was reassuring and efficient."

Mr B

West Sussex

"10/10 to all questions, thank you very much for your excellent service I will recommend you to all my friends."

Mr L

Chichester

"We are so grateful to Mark for all his help and considerable patience regarding the recent preparation of our wills and for the invaluable advice concerning a Trust for our grandson. He took all the time that was needed to ensure that we understood the relevant aspects of this complex subject. He explained the legal ramifications in terms that a layman could understand and he made sure the resulting arrangement was fully in line with our intentions. It has set our minds at rest to know that this important matter has been so efficiently dealt with and thus we no longer need to feel concern over it. Full marks in all departments to MJR Solicitors; it is hard to see how such a friendly and professional service could be improved."

Mr & Mrs G

Felpham

Would definitely recommend...very easy to contact and our Will was arranged and signed in a week!

Marie Pattenden

For your legal needs

We provide a unique and personal service by delivering the highest quality legal services and advice in a down to earth manner.

As your solicitors we will be at your side throughout your case, we will listen to you with care and understanding, and give you clear expert advice based on over 35 years’ experience in wills, probate and family law.

So, you can have complete confidence that you are receiving the best legal advice to achieve the best outcome in your case.

Our Solicitor Services
Wills & Estate Planning

Wills & Estate
Planning

Lasting Power Of Attorney

Lasting Power
of Attorney

Financial Settlement

Defence &
Criminal Law

Wills & Estate Planning

Wills & Estate
Planning

Lasting Power Of Attorney

Lasting Power
of Attorney

Financial Settlement

Defence &
Criminal Law

MJR Solicitors 10th Anniversary Logo MAY26

Middleton Office:
4 Bankside,
128 Middleton Road, Middleton-on-Sea, PO22 6DB

Littlehampton Office:
Arcade Business Centre, 2a Arcade Road, Littlehampton, BN17 5AR

Call us on:  01243 945054
Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm

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