LEGAL AID

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.
 
 
OTHER HELP FROM SOLICITORS

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.

To find a local solicitor experienced in your particular problem, contact:

The Law Society                                              Telephone: 0870 606675
113 Chancery Lane
London 
WC2A 1PL

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                       Telephone: (020) 7759000
Head Office
85 Grays Inn Road
London
WC1X 8TX

LOCAL SOLICITORS
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                       Telephone: (01609) 771811
195 High Street
Northallerton
or                                                                                           
Queens Road Chambers                           Telephone: (01748) 824333
Richmond
DL10 4AQ

Hodgson, Mortimer                                     Telephone: (01748) 850950
Rosemary Lane
Richmond

Eccles, Heddon & Young                          Telephone: (01677) 422422
5 South End, Bedale                                                        
or
24a Market Place                                          Telephone: (01845) 522324
Thirsk

Hunton & Garget                                          Telephone: (01748) 850400
Burgage House
1 Millgate
Richmond

Richard Johnson & Partners                   Telephone: (01969) 627000
Market Place,
Hawes
or 7 Railway Street, Leyburn                    Telephone: (01969) 665577

Hunt & Wrigley                                              Telephone:(01609) 772502
The Old Post Office
83 High Street
Northallerton

Freeman Johnson                                       Telephone: (01609) 772160
222 High Street
Northallerton

David J Cole & Co                                       Telephone: (01609) 780717
East Road
Northallerton

Hiley’s Solicitors                                          Telephone: (01845) 522278
17 Finkle Street
Thirsk

Place, Blair and Hatch                                Telephone: (01609) 780101
240 High Street,
Northallerton