Motoring (Summary offences) Work

Our Pricing:

At Vas Solicitors we have always prided ourselves on our jargon-free and transparent approach to our work and its costs.

We feel it is really important, in addition to providing you with an excellent service, that you know what you will pay for the service you expect to receive.

We will always confirm our cost estimate or agreed fixed fee with you at the outset in any matter prior to beginning our work for you, for the avoidance of any doubt.

VAT

Where VAT is payable in the pricing shown below it is calculated at the current applicable rate (which is 20%).

The figures shown sequentially represent (1) the amount without VAT, (2) the amount of VAT due and (3) the total inclusive of VAT.

Where no VAT rate or amount is shown below, no VAT is payable.

Our fees for motoring Work

Our fees for a typical motoring summary offence are based on hourly rates and time spent, and vary within a range depending on the facts and complexity of the case and the solicitor dealing with your matter.

In the event of you requiring us to argue ‘exceptional hardship’ or ‘special reasons’ on your behalf at your first hearing, our fee will usually be in the range:

£1000.00 plus £200.00 vat = £1200.00 total

to

£3000.00 plus £600.00 vat = £3600.00 total

In the event of entering not guilty pleas at your first hearing and your case proceeding to trial, our fees for providing a consultation, litigation and advocacy our fee will usually be in the range

£1000.00 plus £200.00 vat = £1200.00 total

to

£3000.00 plus £600.00 VAT = £3600.00 total

Disbursements

In addition to our own fees, you may incur disbursement costs.  These are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties.

The disbursements which might typically apply in a motoring case and the likely amount of them should they be incurred are as follows:-

The only likely disbursement would be the fees of Counsel if Counsel is to be instructed.  We will discuss choice of Counsel and their likely fees before Counsel is instructed.

Counsel’s fees are estimated at between £750.00 to £3,500.00 per day (excluding VAT which is usually but not always attracted depending on the experience of the advocate) for attending a  Court  Hearing (including preparation).

If a hearing lasts for more than one day, Counsels fee for the first day is usually higher than the fee for subsequent days, as the first day incorporates the fee for the preparation time.

Work We Will Do

Our fees mentioned above cover:-

• Up to 2 hours attendance/preparation
• Considering evidence
• Taking your instructions
• Providing advice on likely sentence
• Our attendance and representation at a single hearing at the Magistrates’ Court

If you plead not guilty and are acquitted, we can ask the court to consider making an order that some of your costs can be recovered from central funds. Reduced rates may be available depending on your means. Please feel free to contact us to discuss.

Additional Costs

The fees mentioned above do not include:

• The costs of attending any second hearing if for any reason the matter is not disposed of at a first hearing.
• Instruction of any expert witnesses
• Taking statements from any witnesses
• Advice and assistance in relation to a special reasons hearing
• Advice or assistance in relation to any appeal
• Travel to anywhere other than our local courts

Should any of this additional work be required, it will be charged at our hourly rates (see the rates applicable to individual lawyers set out in our table of personnel at the foot of this document) and we will provide you with a revised costs estimate at the earliest possible opportunity.

Timescales

The period of time a motoring matter will take will depend on the type of application.

It can be quicker or slower, depending on your personal or any exceptional circumstances.

Stages of the process

The precise stages involved in a motoring matter will vary according to the application and circumstances.

However, below we have suggested some key stages that you may wish to take into consideration:

1. Obtaining Relevant Information from you
2. Providing legal advice on the relevant law and merits of your application

Motoring Team and Experience: