Different situations give you different entitlements for legal aid. For example everyone is entitled to free legal advice if they are questioned by the police, whether they have been arrested or not. This legal help is available whatever your income. Ask to see the duty solicitor.
Everyone is also entitled to free legal advice on their first appearance at the Magistrates Court whatever their income. Ask to see the duty solicitor.
However, if you are in trouble with the law it is better to apply for legal aid before you go to court – if you are eligible.
You may want to ask a solicitor to help you in all sorts of different ways. They can help by giving advice, writing letters, making wills, checking benefits, or put forward your case in areas such as medical negligence, accidents etc.
From April 2002, private practice solicitors’ offices will only be able to carry out criminal defence work funded by the Legal Services Commission (LSC) if they have a General Criminal Contract.
The Criminal Defence Service (CDS) administered by the Legal Services Commission (LSC) replaced the old system of criminal legal aid on 2nd April 2001. Financial eligibility rules for LSC funded work are expected to change in October 2001. Please ask your solicitor about this.
The Law Society
113 Chancery Lane
London
WC2A 1PL |
Telephone: 0870 606675 |
Otherwise details can be obtained from the Community Legal Service Directory (available from the Citizens Advice Bureau, Libraries). Any solicitor will advise you on whether you are eligible for help from the Criminal Defence Service. The purpose of the CDS is to ensure that people suspected or accused of a crime have access to advice, assistance and representation, as the interests of justice require. For more information contact:
Legal Services Commission
Head Office
85 Grays Inn Road
London
WC1X 8TX |
Telephone: (020) 7759000 |
The following list is for reference only, and cannot be taken as a recommendation. Please check for yourself that the solicitor you contact has expertise in the area of law relating to your needs.
Hudson, Hart and Barrows
195 High Street
Northallerton |
Telephone: (01609) 771811 |
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Queens Road Chambers
Richmond
DL10 4AQ |
Telephone: (01748) 824333 |
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Hodgson, Mortimer
Rosemary Lane
Richmond |
Telephone: (01748) 850950 |
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Eccles, Heddon & Young
5 South End, Bedale |
Telephone: (01677) 422422 |
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24a Market Place
Thirsk |
Telephone: (01845) 522324 |
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Hunton & Garget
Burgage House
1 Millgate
Richmond |
Telephone: (01748) 850400 |
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Richard Johnson & Partners
Market Place
Hawes |
Telephone: (01969) 627000 |
or 7 Railway Street, Leyburn |
Telephone: (01969) 665577 |
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Hunt & Wrigley
The Old Post Office
83 High Street
Northallerton |
Telephone:(01609) 772502 |
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Freeman Johnson
222 High Street
Northallerton |
Telephone: (01609) 772160 |
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David J Cole & Co
Northallerton |
Telephone: (01609) 780717
East Road |
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Hiley’s Solicitors
17 Finkle Street
Thirsk |
Telephone: (01845) 522278 |
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Place, Blair and Hatch
240 High Street,
Northallerton |
Telephone: (01609) 780101 |
