At IBB Law we like to, in very clear and simple terms, respond to the principal questions that clients have about working with a solicitor, namely;
- What are you going to do for me?
- What aren’t you doing for me?
- Who is going to do it?
- When will it be done by?
- How much is it going to cost?
In relation to our costs, we have a philosophy of ‘no surprises’. That puts the onus on us to address the questions above as transparently and as simply as possible.
When we provide you with an estimate we will also provide you with a job specification that answers in clear and straightforward terms the questions above.
Set out below are some of the typical situations about which you may enquire and an estimate of the likely cost of our legal services. In the interests of giving you a clear and concise estimate we have made some assumptions about what you will need and provided you with a narrow range (within which the majority of our cases fall). We have included examples to help you see if the estimate is relevant to you. We have also included some of the most common factors which would increase or decrease our estimate.
All legal fees and disbursements incurred will be subject to applicable standard VAT at the prevailing rate (currently 20%).
No obligation fixed fee appointment
In relation to all road traffic matters we offer a no obligation, fixed fee appointment of £350 plus VAT (£420 including VAT) so that you can meet with one of our experts in order to discuss the allegation you face. This meeting is paid for in advance, or on the day of the meeting, by card or cash. The meeting is for as long as is required and includes:
- Discussing the case and considering any paperwork you may have received
- Receiving advice as to the most appropriate plea
- Informing you as to the court procedure so that you know what to expect on the day of your hearing
- Providing advice on the sentencing options available at court
- After this meeting you can chose whether you wish to instruct us to act for you further and the following fees will then apply:
Guilty Plea
*With the ever increasing frequency of Road Traffic cases being centralised the higher figure is likely due to the travel costs.
These fees include:
- Attendance and representation at a single hearing at the Magistrates Court by one of our experienced Solicitors
These fees would not include any fees for:
- Instruction of expert witness
- Taking statements from witnesses
- Advice and assistance in relation to a special reasons hearing
- Advice or assistance in relation to a not guilty plea or an appeal
- The preparation of plans / photographs / alcohol back-tracking calculations
Assumptions: The above figures relate to a typical case where you enter a guilty plea, a date has been set the Prosecution provide paperwork in a timely fashion, the Court can accommodate your hearing on the first listing and your cooperation with the provision of instructions and the matter is dealt with at one hearing.
Not Guilty
*With the ever increasing frequency of Road Traffic cases being centralised the higher figure is likely due to the travel costs.
These fees would include:
- Initial Interview (post-charge / pre-Court)
- Review of the Prosecution Evidence
- Representation at the Magistrates Court for the first appearance by one of our experienced solicitors or submission of a written not guilty plea to include witness requirements and dates to avoid.
- Obtaining your written instructions and comments on the Prosecution Evidence
- Preparing Witness Statements
- Drafting Defence Statement if appropriate
- Considering the Prosecution’s Unused Material
- Representation at trial / sentence
These fees would not include:
- Travel costs
- Expert’s fees for the preparation of plans / photographs / alcohol back-tracking calculations
- Representation on any appeal
Assumptions: The above figures relate to a typical case where the Prosecution provide paperwork in a timely fashion, the Court can accommodate each hearing on the first listing and your cooperation with the provision of instructions.
Factors for consideration
There are cases where a more personal approach is required. In this instance we will need to discuss with you whether instructing us on an hourly rate is more appropriate. The hourly rate will be £305 per hour plus VAT (£366 including VAT).
If you do not communicate with us when asked to do so or fail to provide full instructions when required then we reserve the right to charge on a hourly rate basis. You will of course be notified prior to any further work commencing if this is deemed to be the case.
Every client is individual and has specific needs. Having taken a look at these examples, if you are happy to speak to us further, please give us a call or drop us an e-mail and a member of the team will arrange an appointment for you to come in for an initial meeting.
How long will my matter take?
The time that it takes to conclude any matter will depend upon whether a guilty plea is entered or the matter proceeds to trial of a full court hearing.
Any proceedings for summary only traffic offences must be “issued” within 6 months of the offence date. How quickly proceedings are issued or cases listed depends on which court deals with the case and how busy that court is. Each stage of the proceedings has a time frame which must be adhered to:
Notice of intended prosecutions (NIP) must be served upon the registered keeper of a vehicle within 14 days of the incident;
NIPs must be returned within 28 days failure to do so is an offence carrying 6 points;
Court proceedings must be issued within 6 months;
Single Justice Procedure Notices must be responded to within 21 days;
It is important to obtain legal advice promptly. We can provide more detail about time frames on individual cases.
