Legal costs for dealing with driving offences in Devon & Somerset
Criminal law involves many unknown factors that make it difficult to estimate the required legal work and total costs at the beginning of the case.
However, while it is not always possible to know how long a case might take, what evidence may come to light, what issues might be raised, how long a trial may last or how many witnesses may be needed, we know it is important for our clients to understand the range of legal costs they are likely to incur.
We have therefore identified the following cost estimates for some common driving offence scenarios:-
Summary Only Driving Offences in Devon and Somerset
These are driving offences that will only be dealt with in a Magistrates’ Court and will not go up to the Crown Court, for example, careless driving, speeding, no insurance, drink or drug driving.
- Guilty plea at the first hearing with sentence going ahead on the same day (most common) – estimated £950 – £1,500 plus VAT. We will offer a fixed fee where possible, which would include work prior to the actual court attendance.
- Guilty plea at the first hearing with sentence being adjourned to a future date (therefore requiring 2 Court dates) – estimated £1,350 – £2,000 plus VAT. We will offer a fixed fee for each hearing where possible (to include preparation between hearings)
- Not guilty plea, which will typically involve a first hearing for plea, a second hearing to plan the case and deal with administration and trial issues, and a third hearing being the trial:
- Up to a 1 day trial (most common): estimated £2,500 – £6,000 plus VAT.
- Up to a 2 day trial: estimated £3,000 – £6,500 plus VAT.
- More than 2 day trial: estimated £4,000 – £8,000 plus VAT.
Either-Way Driving Offences in Devon and Somerset
These are driving offences which can be heard in a Magistrates’ Court or Crown Court, for example, dangerous driving and causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.
1. Cases remaining in the Magistrates’ Court
- Guilty plea at the first hearing with sentence going ahead on the same day (most common) – estimated £950 – £1,500 plus VAT.
- Guilty plea at the first hearing with sentence being adjourned to a future date (therefore requiring 2 Court dates) – estimated £1,350 – £2,000 plus VAT.
- Not guilty plea, which will typically involve a first hearing for plea, a second hearing to plan the case and deal with administration and trial issues, and a third hearing being the trial:
- Up to a 1 day trial (most common): estimated £2,500 – £6,000 plus VAT.
- Up to a 2 day trial: estimated £3,000 – £6,500 plus VAT.
- More than 2 day trial: estimated £4,000 – £8,000 plus VAT.
2. Cases being heard at the Crown Court
Every case starts in the Magistrates’ Court. The first hearing in the Magistrate’s Court would therefore be estimated at £900 – £1,250 plus VAT. In addition, the costs below must be taken into account:
- If the case moves to the Crown Court, there will be a first hearing in the Crown Court. This could be a guilty plea with sentencing on the same day or a different future date, or a not guilty plea with further hearings and a trial required. Estimated costs for a solicitor to prepare the case: £950 – £1,800 plus VAT. There will be a barrister required for the first hearing estimated at a further £650 – £1,500 plus VAT.
- If the first hearing at the Crown Court does not conclude the case, the following costs are estimated:
- Each additional hearing in the Crown Court (including preparation) on a guilty plea for sentence, estimated £650 – £1,250 plus VAT and a barrister’s fee of £500 – £1,500 plus VAT, depending on level of seniority. This includes work between hearings to prepare the case.
- Each additional hearing on a not guilty plea between first hearing and trial – estimated £950 – £2,000 plus VAT and a barrister’s fee of £500 – £1,500 plus VAT. This includes work between hearings to prepare the case.
- Trials and preparation for trials can mean that the case from start to finish (up to and including a 1 day trial) can cost between £5,000 – £10,000 plus VAT and barrister’s fee.
- Trials of up to 1 week – estimated £10,000 to £25,000 plus VAT and barrister’s fee.
- Trials of more than 1 week – estimated in excess of £20,000 plus VAT and barrister’s fee.
Fees for dealing with driving offences outside Devon & Somerset
We are able to deal with driving offences outside Devon & Somerset, but additional fees may be chargeable to reflect travelling costs. Please contact us for further details.
Costs estimates
Please be aware that each case is different and it may be that the costs in your case are lower than the top end estimates. Much depends on the complexity of the case, such as how many witnesses there are for the prosecution and defence, whether expert reports required, whether there are videos, CCTV footage, large bundles of paperwork, photographs or other material to consider and advise on and whether a barrister’s input is needed.
Costs will also depend on how much legal advice and support you need, as this has a direct bearing on how many hours may be spent on your case.
