Privately funded criminal defence: Why paying privately can make a difference.
If you are facing a criminal investigation or prosecution, choosing the right legal representation can be one of the most important decisions you will ever make.
While legal aid still remains available in some cases, many people choose to instruct a privately funded criminal defence solicitor to ensure they have access to specialist advice, continuity of representation, and a tailored legal strategy when they need it and on their own terms.
Our criminal defence team understands that being accused of a criminal offence can be overwhelming. The decisions made in the early stages of a case can have a lasting impact on your future, your family, and your career. For that reason, many clients decide that investing in expert legal representation is worthwhile.
What is privately funded criminal defence?
A privately funded criminal defence case is one where the client pays directly for legal services rather than relying on legal aid (state) funding.
While legal aid can provide valuable assistance to those who qualify for it, eligibility is subject to strict financial means testing and is also not available in all cases, as it depends on the nature of the allegations being made.
Many people either do not qualify for legal aid, or, even if they do, prefer the flexibility and additional options that private funding can provide.
If you are granted legal aid in the Crown Court, then you are likely to be subject to quite significant financial contributions. That could mean you are paying privately for a large part of your legal aid costs in any event.
In the magistrates court, you will either be passed or failed on a means test, and you are only entitled to the duty solicitor on one occasion, and that does not include certain types of hearing, such as a trial.
Why do people choose to fund their defence privately?
Immediate Access to Specialist Advice
One of the key benefits of private funding is the ability to obtain specialist legal advice quickly from the lawyer of your choice.
Whether you have been invited for a voluntary police interview, arrested, or informed that you are under investigation, early legal intervention can be crucial. Obtaining advice at the earliest opportunity may help to shape the course of an investigation and protect your position.
Freedom to Choose Your Solicitor
When funding privately, you are free to choose the legal team you believe is best suited to your case.
Not all criminal cases are the same. Allegations involving fraud, regulatory offences, sexual offences, assault, or complex financial investigations often require a particular skill-set and a strategic approach. Private funding allows you to select a solicitor with the experience and expertise most relevant to your circumstances.
Continuity of Representation
Clients frequently tell us that one of their greatest concerns is having to repeat their story to different people.
Private funding can enable you to work closely with the same legal team throughout your case. This continuity can lead to a better understanding of the facts, stronger preparation, and a more personalised service.
More Time Devoted to Your Case
Criminal proceedings can generate large volumes of evidence, including witness statements, mobile phone data, CCTV footage, financial records, and expert reports.
Private funding can allow a legal team to devote additional time and resources to analysing evidence, identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and preparing a robust defence strategy.
There are no limits on the amount of time that can be dedicated to your defence whereas with legal aid, often time is restricted because only fixed fees are payable to your representative and they do not therefore have the time or resources to be able to set aside.
Strategic and Proactive Case Management
A privately funded defence can often be more proactive.
This may include:
- Taking witness statements at an earlier stage;
- Instructing independent experts;
- Reviewing digital evidence in detail;
- Preparing detailed representations to investigators or prosecutors;
- Exploring alternative resolutions where appropriate.
A well-prepared defence can sometimes result in investigations being discontinued or charges being avoided altogether.
The impact on professional and personal lives
For many clients, criminal allegations have consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom.
Professional people may face serious reputational damage and potential disciplinary proceedings, posing a major threat to their livelihood.
When so much is at stake, many people view private legal representation as an investment in protecting their future, their finances, and their reputation.
Is private funding right for everyone?
Not necessarily. Legal aid remains an important part of the justice system and may be entirely appropriate in your case.
However, if you are facing serious allegations, complex investigations, or significant personal and professional consequences, then you may wish to choose private funding because it allows you greater control over your defence and access to your preferred legal team.
The best approach will depend on your personal circumstances, the nature of the allegations, your personal budget, and your eligibility for public funding.
What our criminal defence services are likely to cost
Every case is different. The legal costs of a case will depend on how much time we need to spend on it. That means the complexity of the legal issues is key, along with the extent of the evidence and how far the case against you is pursued.
We will review the position, consider any charges, and provide you with an estimate of the likely costs.
Where appropriate, we can work to a fee limit and will always provide you with regular costs updates.
How our criminal defence team can help you
We appreciate that a criminal investigation can cause tremendous anxiety, worry, and uncertainty.
Our experienced team will provide clear, jargon-free advice, practical guidance, and determined representation from the earliest stage of a case through to its conclusion.
We can advise individuals facing police investigations, voluntary interviews, regulatory investigations, and criminal prosecutions, helping clients understand their options and make informed decisions about their defence.
We have a five-star rating on ReviewSolicitors. Here are a few of the reviews that Jen Law, who heads up our criminal defence team, has recently received:
Exceptional solicitor – case fully dismissed
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I am incredibly grateful to my solicitor, Jen, for her outstanding representation. Thanks to her hard work, dedication, and expertise, my case was completely dismissed.From start to finish, she was excellent in every possible way. She was exceptionally proactive, always staying ten steps ahead and ensuring no detail was overlooked. Her work ethic is unmatched, and it was clear throughout my case that she was working tirelessly on my behalf.I cannot thank her enough for her support during this time. If you need a brilliant, hard-working, and highly effective solicitor, I cannot recommend her highly enough.
Amazing lawyer
I was represented by Jen at the start of this year. Before having representation, I spent two years being strung along through a drawn-out legal case by the CPS, with multiple adjournments. Jen took over my case and was extremely professional and thorough. She picked everything apart with a fine-tooth comb, stood up and made herself count when I needed it, and had everything settled within 90 days, achieving an outcome ten times better than I could ever have asked or hoped for.
Brilliant service
Great comms and efficient turnaround on my case. All charges dropped and before having to attend court. Big thank you to Jen Law and Sarah Hockin.
My first, and hopefully only experience of criminal law
I believe other reviews have said similar, but I also had a problem, and in just over a week, it was gone. I contacted Slee Blackwell when a constable appeared at my door to inquire about an incident, blaming me. I looked for legal advice and went with the firm that was first in criminal law at Review Solicitors. It was a good decision. I spoke to Jen’s paralegal throughout the Friday, first getting my side of the case across and relevant information, sorting out payment, and Jen made room for me in her diary for a Teams meeting that Monday morning. Jen explained the process I was currently experiencing, what the outcomes might be, and we discussed the next steps we could take. I was felt included, relief to have some clarity, and that I had a sensible person on my side. She offered to save me some money by my leading communications with the police, but I chose to rely on her experience, adding feedback where appropriate. Her correspondence to police was perfectly worded. Though I feared I was in for a length legal process, by the end of Monday I was feeling so much better and that I was in safe hands. I still didn’t expect after a week for such a good result. I would happily recommend Jen and her team to anyone who feels the pressures of the law.
Contact us
If you are under investigation, have been asked to attend a police interview, or are facing criminal proceedings, contact Slee Blackwell Solicitors for a confidential discussion about your case
The sooner specialist advice is obtained, the greater the opportunity to protect your position and achieve the best possible outcome
