it is likely you will lose your job/livelihood as a result of being convicted.it is likely you will receive a custodial sentence and go to prison as a result of being convicted.You are likely to pass the interests of justice test if: In addition to the financial means test there is also a test of merit aka ' The Interests of Justice Test' that is applied to your specific case and circumstances. If you are on state benefits it is likely you will pass the financial means test and may automatically qualify for legal aid. More information on the financial means test including relevant annual income thresholds can be viewed here. If your income is in-between the lowest threshold and the highest threshold a more thorough and full financial means test will be carried out to determine your eligibility, a full financial means test will examine income as well as outgoings in order to determine your disposable income. If you have an income above the the maximum threshold you will fail the financial means test. If you are on a low income below the lowest threshold you will pass the financial means test. In order to qualify for legal aid you must pass the interests of justice test and the financial means test.Īn initial financial means test will be carried out that examines your gross annual income and takes into account your family circumstances. You may be entitled to legal aid which can cover the whole cost of instructing/hiring a solicitor. Our drink driving solicitors directory lists law firms throughout England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales that deal with drink driving cases. Criminal law is very technical and a criminal defence motoring solicitor will be able to examine all evidence and case notes to ensure correct statutory procedure has been followed at all times.Ĭonsulting with a solicitor should be done well in advance of the date of your court hearing so that both you and your solicitor can be as well prepared as possible. Consulting with an experienced motoring solicitor will be beneficial even if you ultimately decide not to hire/instruct a solicitor to act on your behalf and represent you in a court of law. We always recommend you seek expert legal advice. The last thing you want to do is turn up late! Instructing a solicitor You should ensure that you know exactly where the magistrates court is and how to get there. Failure to attend court for your hearing may see a warrant issued for your arrest and further charges being brought against you. The answer is yes you do have to appear at court in person! You are being charged with a criminal offence which carries a minimum mandatory driving disqualification of at least 12 months. We have compiled this helpful guide to answer some of these questions and help put your mind at ease a little.įirst of all, we will answer a very common question a lot of people ask which is ' do I need to attend court in person?' What will happen? What sentence will I get? Do I need a solicitor? What will happen on the day? How long will it take? Do I need to appear in person? Will I have to speak in court? Will my conviction appear in the newspapers? You will no doubt have many questions racing through your mind such as: It can be quite a nerve racking and daunting experience to say the least! If so, you are likely to be similar to a lot of people charged with a drink driving related offence in that it could be your first appearance at a criminal court. Have you been charged with a drink driving related offence and bailed to appear at a magistrates court? Guide to appearing at magistrates court for drink driving offences
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |