At BAA Solicitors, we recognise the nuances of dealing with common motoring offences such as careless driving, drink/drug driving, and speeding. Our fees for handling these matters are tailored to the nature of the offense, the plea entered, and the number of hearings involved, exclusively for private clients.
Legal Fees and Disbursements
Legal fees encompass the costs associated with all work performed by us, from the inception of your case to its conclusion. It’s essential to note that VAT, currently set at 20%, applies to our fees and specific disbursements. We will provide clear information about which disbursements incur VAT in our formal quotation or as we guide you to incur them.
Fixed Fees for Common Offenses
For common criminal offenses, we offer fixed fees based on established facts:
-
- Initial Consultation: We offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation with our Senior Partner. Subsequent consultations are available at a cost of £75 – £100 + VAT (£90 – £120 Inc. VAT). These consultations help establish case facts and provide an upfront cost indication.
-
- Guilty Plea: If a guilty plea is entered, our representation fees for a single hearing range from £1,250 – £1,500 + VAT (£1,500 – £1,800 Inc. VAT).
-
- If the sentencing hearing is separate, an additional cost of £775 – £1,000 + VAT (£930 – £1,200 Inc. VAT) applies.
Mitigation Services
We can present necessary representations in court for mitigations to minimise penalties, especially in cases where clients have significant points on their licenses and wish to avoid disqualification.
-
- Not Guilty Plea: For cases where a not guilty plea is entered, our fee is £3,500 – £5,000 + VAT (£4,200 – £6,000 Inc. VAT), depending on trial length, sentencing, and preparation time.
-
- Review and Evidence Collection: This service is priced between £750 – £1,000 + VAT (£900 – £1,200 Inc. VAT), with the final fee based on the level and amount of evidence involved.
-
- Drafting Mitigation Statement: The cost for this service falls within a range of £750 – £950 + VAT (£900 – £1,200 Inc. VAT), with complexity and time taken factoring into the final fee.
-
- Instructions to Counsel and Compiling Bundle: This service is priced between £750 – £900 + VAT (£900 – £1,200 Inc. VAT), with complexity and time taken to prepare the bundle dictating the final fee.
Hourly Rates for Unforeseen Complexity
| Position | Rate per hour (£) | Rate per hour (£) (outside office hours) |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Partner | £300 + VAT (£360 Inc. VAT) | £450 + VAT (£540 Inc. VAT) |
| Partner | £235 + VAT (£282 Inc. VAT) | £300 + VAT (£360 Inc. VAT) |
| Solicitor | £235 + VAT (£282 Inc. VAT) | £300 + VAT (£360 Inc. VAT) |
| Trainee Solicitor | £195 + VAT (£234 Inc. VAT) | £262.50 + VAT (£315 Inc. VAT) |
| Legal Assistant | £175 + VAT (£210 Inc. VAT) | £225 + VAT (£270 Inc. VAT) |
If your instructions require services outside the fixed fee structure, our hourly rates range from £175 – £300 + VAT (£210 – £360 Inc. VAT).
For matters outside office hours, rates range from £225 – £450 (£270 – £540 Inc. VAT), depending on the case handler’s experience and qualification.
Electronic Money Transfers
We charge a fee of £50 + VAT (£60 Inc. VAT) for electronic money transfers.
Fee Changes and Disbursements
If our fees change at any stage, we will notify you and discuss the reasons for these changes. Such changes usually occur if you modify your instructions or if your case encounters unforeseen complexity.
Excluded from Fixed Fees
It’s crucial to understand that the fixed fees mentioned above do not include additional disbursements, such as barristers or experts’ fees.
Case-Specific Costs
Each case is unique, and once we’ve gathered the facts of your individual case, we will ensure you’re informed of any additional costs upfront.
Assumptions for Average Fees
Our average fees assume that:
-
- The transaction proceeds smoothly without unforeseen complications.
-
- All parties involved cooperate, and there are no unreasonable delays in providing documentation.
Our Legal Fee Includes
-
- General attendance and preparation
-
- Considering evidence
-
- Taking your instructions
-
- Providing advice on likely sentences
-
- Attendance and representation at a single Magistrates Court hearing
Our Legal Fee Does Not Include
-
- Instruction of expert witnesses
-
- Taking statements from witnesses
-
- Advice and assistance for special reasons hearings
-
- Advice or assistance for appeals
-
- Representation at the Crown Court
Disbursements
Disbursements are third-party costs related to your matter. We handle the payment of disbursements to ensure a smoother process. We must have the cost of such disbursements as cleared funds in our account before we engage third parties in your matter. Third party costs may include:
-
- Interpreters’ fees.
-
- Independent expert reports (if necessary).
-
- Mileage/travel expenses if there is need to travel to meetings and court hearings.
Disbursements may be incurred in handling your case. For motoring offences, these typically include:
-
- Counsel’s fees for advice or representation at a hearing. A quotation for their services will be obtained and discussed with you to ensure full awareness of the charges.
-
- Barrister fees, which vary based on the advocate’s experience. Initial fees and brief fees are typically £750 – £1,500 plus VAT (£900 – £1,800 Inc. VAT) and each subsequent day incurs an additional £1,000 – £1,500 plus VAT (£1,200 – £1,800 Inc. VAT).
-
- In cases requiring highly experienced barristers, the cost may be higher. Additional charges, such as travel expenses for meetings and court hearings, may also apply.
-
- Medical report fees and other experts’ fees (if applicable). Expert report costs typically range from £1,000 – £2,000 + VAT (£1,200 – £2,400 Inc. VAT).
Stages of the Process
The specific stages involved may vary based on your case’s circumstances. However, the key stages, assuming a guilty plea, include:
-
- Meeting with your solicitor to provide instructions.
-
- Initial disclosure and evidence consideration.
-
- Arranging witness statements, incurring an additional cost on an hourly basis.
-
- Explanation of court procedure, sentencing options, and preparatory work.
-
- Court attendance on the day of the hearing, with discussion of the outcome.
Timescales
If the case can be resolved in a single hearing, it typically concludes within six months from the date of the offense. However, exact timescales may differ based on factors such as Magistrate’s Court scheduling. We will provide estimated timescales once we have all the case details.
For more information on our pricing structure or any other questions regarding our fees and services, please contact our Motoring Offenses Team on +44 208 001 0725. We are dedicated to providing expert guidance and ensuring transparency at every step of the journey.
*** Please note that all fees quoted on this website are estimates for guidance purposes and are subject to our client’s care letter, which defines the scope and terms of the retainership between us and our clients.***