Funding Options

Ashmans Solicitors hold a contract with the Legal Services Commission for Criminal cases and we will advise you as to your eligibility for Funding Options. If you are not eligible, we can offer you competitive rates and possibly even fixed fees, depending on your circumstances.

Contact us now to discuss your legal needs.

Email us on: enquiries@ashmanssolicitors.com

CALL US ON 0333 009 6275 – OR REQUEST A FREE CALL BACK

What are Funding Options?

They are a way of meeting the costs of legal advice, family mediation and representation in a court or tribunal.

To receive Funding, you will usually need to show that:

  • your case is eligible for Funding;
  • the problem that you are having is serious; and,
  • you cannot afford to pay for legal costs.

Ashmans Solicitors will apply for Funding on your behalf and, if you qualify, the government will pay us our costs directly.

In certain circumstances, you may have to pay some money towards the legal costs of your case or pay the costs back later.

Can I receive Funding?

You would normally be able to receive Funding if:

  • You or your family are at risk of abuse or serious harm. (This can include domestic violence or forced marriage).
  • You need advice on finances, children or divorce (if you’ve been in an abusive relationship).
  • You’re at risk of homelessness.
  • You’ve been accused of a crime and face prison.
  • You are being discriminated against.
  • You are in need of family mediation.
  • You are adding legal arguments.
  • You are bringing a case under the Human Rights Act.
  • You or someone in your family has been receiving poor quality care, due to age, disability or special educational needs.
  • You know that a child in your family is at risk of being taken into care.
  • You are challenging the way the government has made a decision about you.
  • You are seeking asylum.
  • You have been the victim of human trafficking.
  • You need representation at a mental health tribunal or inquest.
  • Or… you are appealing a decision made by the social security tribunal about your Benefits, to the Upper Tribunal, Court of Appeal or Supreme Court.

Will I have to show my financial documents to prove that I need Funding?

Yes, you will usually need to show/prove that you cannot afford to pay for your legal help, advice and costs. You’ll need to show us information regarding yourself and your partner.

You’ll usually have to give details and evidence of your income, benefits, savings and property, and those of your partner, too. If you’re under 18, you may need to give information about your parents’ or guardians’ income.

Are there any circumstances in which my financial situation is not taken into account?

Yes, these include cases about: mental health tribunals. Along with children in care and child abduction.

Are there ever Exceptional Cases for Funding?

Yes, you may be able to get Funding in exceptional cases. This if you can show that being refused Funding would infringe:

  • Your rights under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
  • Your EU rights to legal representation.

What happens if I win money or a home after my court case?

Please note that the Legal Aid Agency (LAA) will make a charge or claim – known as the ‘statutory charge’ – on any money or property you win as a result of your court case. If this is your home, payment can be deferred and the debt placed as a charge on your home. This would be very similar to a mortgage.

Will Funding help me in a Civil Case?

Civil cases are non-criminal cases that include issues like debt, family or housing problems. To get Funding, you usually need to show that you cannot afford to pay for legal costs and your problem is serious.

You may have to provide evidence about your problem too. For example in a divorce case by providing a court order or GP letter showing that you or your child have been a victim of abuse.

Can I get Funding for a Criminal Case?

Yes. You have the right to free legal advice if you’re questioned at a police station. Plus, you’ll automatically get Funding for legal representation in court if you’re under 16 (or under 18 and in full-time education) – or on certain Benefits.

A police custody officer will help you get Funding if you’ve been arrested and held at a police station. You’ll be offered free advice:

  • by telephone (if the offence is less serious), or from the police station’s duty solicitor. Or from your own legal adviser at Ashmans Solicitors.

How do I contact Ashmans Solicitors?

You are welcome to Contact Ashmans Solicitors for a free, no-obligation enquiry – all enquiries are welcome. We have offices in: Central London and East London, Dewsbury, Sheffield, Huddersfield and Leeds.

Please use the Contact Us form regarding your Funding query, being as detailed as possible.

To help us answer you quickly, you’ll need to first describe the issue you’re having – then tell us what you want to achieve.

You may also email or call us to make an appointment.

Email us on: enquiries@ashmanssolicitors.com

CALL US ON 0333 009 6275 – OR REQUEST A FREE CALL BACK

How can we help?

Contact us for a free, initial no obligation consultation.

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Why choose us?

  • We have successfully recovered over £30 million in compensation for our clients.
  • Our offices are situated throughout the UK in 6 key locations.
  • We have multi-lingual staff who can immediately assist you.
  • We only use plain and simple language, with no complex, legal jargon.
  • We offer you a free, initial consultation.
  • You can be assured of competitive prices and a very high success rate.
  • We are the first choice for professionals who need help with keeping their driving licence.
  • Once you have instructed us, we will select an experienced barrister, who is local to you. We’ll arrange a conference with them so you can be clear about your prospects.
  • We pride ourselves on finding often-missed opportunities that will mitigate your charges and help your case.
  • We are ranked as a leading firm in the 2017 edition of the Legal 500 – one of the foremost guides to law firms in the United Kingdom.
  • If you are facing Proceeds Of Crime Act (POCA) proceedings following a conviction for fraud, we will be able to help you reduce the impact that this will have on you and your family.
  • Our reputation as a leading defence firm in general and serious crime cases is built on the strength we have in creating viable defences.
  • We will attend the police station to offer you independent legal advice free of charge, as you will need to be clear about where you stand from the outset.
  • We help to mitigate Restraining Orders, lessening the effect on you, your family and your business.
  • We act on behalf of many other solicitors – and also doctors, teachers and vets who are facing a motoring offence. This is in addition to taxi drivers, lorry drivers and others who drive for a living.
About Us

Notable cases

Your Justice is Our Mission.

R-v-LF Leeds Crown Court

The defendant in this case was a qualified Certified Accountant. She was originally arrested and interviewed for conspiracy to commit mortgage fraud totalling sums going into millions of pounds.

Read more about "R-v-LF Leeds Crown Court"

Operation Janitor

Operation Janitor was a large-scale VAT fraud investigated and prosecuted by SOCA. The fraud involved nearly 20 companies and abuse of the zero-rated vat reclaims system for new build properties.

Read more about "Operation Janitor"

R-v-TA Leeds Crown Court

In this case the defendant along with four others was charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice arising out of an accident in which a person died following a road traffic collision.

Read more about "R-v-TA Leeds Crown Court"

R-v-AA & Others Hull Court

The prosecution allege that our client along with a number of other defendants has been involved in a conspiracy to transfer criminal property being valued in tens of thousands of pounds.

Read more about "R-v-AA & Others Hull Court"

R-v-NF Bradford Crown Court

A number of defendant’s in this case were charged with conspiracy to commit mortgage fraud and money laundering in of an overall sum approaching £1m.

Read more about "R-v-NF Bradford Crown Court"

"Operation Caring Today" Preston Crown Court

Ashman’s Solicitors successfully secures acquittal in a high profile fraud and money laundering case.

Read more about ""Operation Caring Today" Preston Crown Court"

R-v-MD & Others Old Bailey

The defendant along with a number of others was alleged to have murdered the deceased arising as a result of a revenge attack.

Read more about "R-v-MD & Others Old Bailey"

R-v-AA & Others Huntingdon Crown Court

The Defendant, along with 4 others, was charged with entering into an arrangement to launder the proceeds of crime totalling in excess of £1 million.

Read more about "R-v-AA & Others Huntingdon Crown Court"

R-v-AN Bradford Crown Court

The Defendant, a Company Director, was charged with fraud by false representation amounting to over £660,000.

Read more about "R-v-AN Bradford Crown Court"

R-v-CV Leeds Crown Court

The Defendant was charged with fraud by false representation in relation to his role with two companies plus a further charge of theft relating to an alleged loss to David Brown Ltd said to be over £113,000.

Read more about "R-v-CV Leeds Crown Court"

R-v-SA Snaresbrook Crown Court

This was a highly publicised case involving the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. The Defendant was charged with fraud by false representation.

Read more about "R-v-SA Snaresbrook Crown Court"

R-v-TC & Others Operation Aquamarine Southwark Crown Court

The Defendant was charged with conspiracy to defraud Barclays Private Client International Bank by obtaining mortgage loans to which the Crown allege they were not entitled to.

Read more about "R-v-TC & Others Operation Aquamarine Southwark Crown Court"

Testimonial

Don't take our word for it

Ashmans Solicitors were completely professional in their approach from start to finish. They kept me informed of my case throughout and I was overjoyed with the outcome and service.

Jill Buckley
Read testimonials