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Going to court as a defendant

Anyone arrested and detained in custody, or anyone who is required to appear before a court can apply for free advice and assistance.

  • In England and Wales this advice and assistance was administered by the Legal Services Commission from 2000 – 1st April 2013 when it was replaced by the Legal Aid Agency (LAA an executive agency sponsored by the Ministry of Justice)
  • In Scotland the Scottish Legal Aid Board administers legal aid.
  • In Northern Ireland, legal aid is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Legal Services Agency

Legal advice and costs

Every defendant has a right to a fair trial, but you should always take legal advice and where necessary ensure you have appropriate representation. You may be required to pay back some or all the costs of your defence when the case is concluded.

Free legal representation is available if your case passes a merits test and you pass a means test.

workplacewellbeing.com assumes no responsibility for the content of linked websites.

Useful websites

Legal Aid Agency

Scottish Legal Aid Board

Legal Services Agency Northern Ireland

judiciary.gov.uk/magistrates-court

scotcourts.gov.uk/attending-a-criminal-court

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