Our fees
Fixed Fees
Our competitive fixed fees cover everything from initial advice to trial. Please be aware the fees detailed below are for cases dealt with at the Magistrates Court.
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Initial advice for 1 hour | £325 plus VAT |
| First hearing, including first meeting, review of documents & dealing with the CPS | £600 plus VAT |
| First hearing & sentencing (Guilty plea) | £2,000 plus VAT |
| Sentencing hearing | £1,500 plus VAT |
| First hearing & subsequent trial (Non-guilty plea) | £2,000–£5,000 plus VAT (estimated) |
We charge hourly rates for cases dealt with at the Crown Court.
Fees as provided by Wellingtons Solicitors.
Key stages and typical timescalesDraft for confirmation by Wellingtons
Initial advice
We review the charge or summons and the evidence available and advise you on plea, likely outcomes and next steps. Usually within a few days of instruction, sooner if the hearing is close.
First hearing
We deal with the prosecution (the CPS), review the initial evidence and represent you at the first hearing, where you are asked to enter a plea.
Guilty plea: sentencing
Sentencing often takes place at the first hearing. If the court asks for a pre-sentence report, sentencing is usually adjourned for about 3 to 4 weeks. We prepare mitigation and, for driving matters, any argument on special reasons or exceptional hardship.
Not guilty plea: trial
The court sets a timetable and a trial date. We review the prosecution evidence, take your statement, deal with witnesses and represent you at trial. Trials at the Magistrates’ Court are often listed 3 to 6 months after the first hearing, sometimes later.
Overall timescale. A case resolved on a guilty plea is often finished within one to two hearings over a few weeks. A contested case usually takes several months to reach trial.
Who will handle your matterDraft for confirmation by Wellingtons
Criminal and motoring matters are handled by Taras Demchuk, Managing Partner, and Marina Williamson, Senior Solicitor and Higher Rights Advocate, whose published experience includes criminal proceedings.
Not included in these feesDraft for confirmation by Wellingtons
- Cases at the Crown Court, which are charged at hourly rates
- Barristers’ fees, expert reports and interpreters, unless agreed
- Appeals and additional hearings beyond those in the fee table