Defence Costs Order Changes

The Defence Costs Order regime changed on 31 October 2009. From this date Defendants who have privately instructed solicitors, and not used the legal aid solicitors available to them, will only be able to claim costs based on legal aid rates and not the true costs incurred on acquittal.

This will leave many individuals with hefty legal bills with the difference in rates being significant. For example, in London the legal aid criminal defence rate for preparation is £49.96 with £3.81 being charged for routine letters and telephone calls.