£500 due at time of instruction
If you require representation at Court, Motor Lawyers provide expert case preparation and specialist advocacy. Your case will be prepared by a lawyer with at least 20 years road traffic experience who will discuss the case with you fully, review all documentation, clarify the Court process, and guide you on action required/tactics to adopt, so the strongest possible mitigation can be presented at Court.
- Review and advise on all procedural documents (to include all prosecution evidence, Court paperwork, photographic evidence, your documents etc.) to ensure conformity and check for all potential technical errors or defences.
- Comprehensive telephone attendance (allow 1 hour) to obtain full details of the incident, clarify all aspects of your account, advise you fully in relation to tactics, implications, procedures and all other aspects required to progress your case fully.
- Preparation of complete proof of evidence, covering all information required for the Barrister to present your case to the Court. This is an extensive document professionally prepared to present the most compelling case on your behalf.
- Liaising with the Court to deal with all procedural issues.
- Obtaining evidence from Police/Process Unit/CPS.
- Guidance in relation to obtaining evidence to support your mitigation and reviewing evidence.
- Guidance on completing Statement of Means.
- Full guidance on how the case will progress, the roles of Court staff/prosecution and what to expect at the hearing.
- Providing detailed instructions to Counsel to include outlining the pros and cons of your case, tactics to be adopted discussing any issues with Counsel on your behalf and arranging Counsel’s attendance at Court.
- Experienced Barrister representing you at Court to include all preparation, pre-hearing discussion with you, travel and waiting time.
- Full ongoing support to include email / telephone advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your fee?
The Barrister Representation service costs £995, including VAT.
The fee is payable in instalments of £500 at the time of instruction and £495, payable 7 days before the hearing.
The fee covers all costs of a Barrister attending Court for one hearing and includes presentation of the case, all preparation and reading time on the part of the Barrister, any pre-hearing discussion with you, travel time and waiting time.
In the unlikely event, for reasons beyond your/our control, your case is not concluded on the day of the Court attendance, an additional fee of £495 will be incurred to cover additional preparation/representation at any subsequent hearing. In those circumstances, Counsel will then address the Court in relation to setting off the additional fee against Court costs / any fine imposed.
Who will represent me at Court?
Motor Lawyers will book and instruct a Barrister who specialises in defending road traffic cases. We will confirm the identity of the Barrister in advance of the hearing and wherever possible, we will ensure that the Barrister also has local knowledge for the Court at which you are appearing.
What is the difference between a Barrister and a Solicitor?
A Barrister (Counsel) is a qualified lawyer who specialises in Court advocacy. Whilst most Solicitors will prepare cases but rarely attend Court, a Barrister will present at Court the cases that have been prepared on his/her behalf.
Why do you use Barristers and not Solicitors at Court?
Barristers specialise in advocacy and Court presentation. The Barristers on our panel have extensive experience of road traffic matters thus ensuring that you receive the best representation for your hearing.
Should I instruct a Barrister direct?
Although you have the option of finding a direct access Barrister, it is extremely unlikely that they will have extensive road traffic law experience. By using Motor Lawyers you get both a professionally prepared case by an experienced road traffic lawyer, as well at the benefit of being represented by Court by a specialist advocate. Our buying power means that we can instruct experienced Barristers for reduced fees and pass those savings to you, as reflected in the cost of the service.
How will Motor Lawyers instruct Counsel?
Once we have prepared your case fully, Motor Lawyers will supply detailed instructions to the Barrister clarifying the pros and cons of the case, tactics to be adopted and confirmation as to how the case should be presented on your behalf. The cases are prepared thoroughly and include a detailed review of all available evidence and clarification of all the relevant points of law. The instructions are then discussed with Counsel in order that you receive the best possible representation.
Do I get to meet with the Barrister before the hearing?
In the majority of cases, Counsel will discuss any issues with you at Court prior to the hearing. We suggest you attend Court 45 minutes prior to the designated time for this purpose. If you have any queries prior thereto, liaise with us and will ensure that they are dealt with and included in the Barrister's instructions.