Legal Aid - How do I know if I will qualify?

The Legal Aid Agency allows TAHMINA & Co Solicitors to offer legal advice, assistance and Magistrates Court representation to clients who meet the interests of justice eligibility and financial means tests.

The interests of justice test is based on the details of the allegation itself and whether you require expert assistance to present your defence in court or to mitigate after a guilty plea.

Your financial means are tested in relation to the following categories:

Employment

If you earn less than £12,475 annually or are receiving pass-ported benefits then you are automatically entitled to Legal Aid.

If you earn over this amount, then the application will be tested on your other means (as detailed in the further sections below), and it is then down to the Legal Aid Agency to decide whether you are still entitled for this assistance. If this is the case, you will be asked to provide your wage slips, evidence of any loans or direct debits and any other frequent outgoings you may have, as well as any of the below evidence that is necessary to your case.

If you are self-employed, you will be asked to provide numerous details about your business, such as the name and type of business and when you began trading. Please ensure that you are aware of this information when we make your application.

Living Arrangements

If you own your own house or flat then you are required to provide evidence of monthly payments of your mortgage and how much you have left to pay of this.

If you rent accommodation then you must provide a copy of your tenancy agreement and the monthly amount that you pay.

If you live with parents or with other family members, the Legal Aid Agency will ask for a letter from them confirming that you are residing with them and whether they assist you with payment for food and shelter or if you pay them lodgings to stay with them.

Relationship Status

If you are married or are in a relationship then the Legal Aid Agency will require proof of your partner's income and outgoings, as well as your own.

Please inform us at your initial consultation whether you are in a relationship or not and we will advise you accordingly as to what happens next.

In the Crown Court, everyone is entitled to legal aid, though depending on your current means, you may be required to pay a monthly contribution towards your legal advice and assistance.

If you require further information and support with what is required for your Legal Aid application, we will of course advise you of this when you contact us for your initial consultation.

Kindly visit our 'Contact Us' page for details on how to get in touch, or fill in the query form on the right-hand side of the page if you require assistance with Legal Aid.

Legal Aid - How do I know if I will qualify?

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