Can I get Legal Aid funding in the Crown Court

In the Crown Court, if you pass the Interests of Justice test you will automatically be entitled to legal aid.

  • However, you may be required to contribute towards the defence costs of your case following your means test.

The type of hearing you are facing in the Crown Court will determine how the means test will be applied, see below for examples:

Crown Court trial

  • The means test will consider your income and capital assests. You may be liable for contributions during the case or at the end of your case.

Committal for sentence

  • The means test will only consider your income. You will not be liable for contributions but if you fail the means test, you will not get legal aid.

Appeals to the Crown Court

  • The means test will only consider your income. You may be liable for a fixed sum contribution at the end of your appeal if you fail the means test and your appeal is unsuccessful. You will also be liable for a fixed sum contribution if you abandon your appeal.


 

FAQ