Why didn’t I do this earlier, I’d think, every time I hopped on… until some blind young mum pulled out on me and I swerved to avoid her, putting me on the wrong side of the road and hitting a car head-on.
Consequently, Mr Plod hit me with a Dangerous Driving charge, which I’m going to fight, but the duty solicitor said I earn too much money to get Legal Aid, and even if I’m found not guilty, I won’t get my private legal fees back.
I earn £45,000pa and my wife earns £10,000 part-time. We’re just about paying our household bills. This seems so unjust.
Answer
Your duty solicitor is correct. If you’d been charged before 01/10/12 it would have been a different story, but The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 changed the rules.
If you’re a middle income household, you won’t get Legal Aid; but you do need legal representation, so you’ll have to pay if you want it. And even if the State’s case fails and you’re found not guilty, you’ll only get your legal fees repaid in line with Legal Aid rates, which will not cover costs, I guarantee it.
It’s like the State breaking your legs, forcing you to pay for private healthcare and then repaying you in-line with NHS rates. Unfair, but sadly that’s the way it is – a tax on the innocent in my view.
On2Wheels July 2019
Hi as for the accident cant he sue the blind mum for his costs .what about is house insurance wont they cover anything ??? As I have up to 1 mill cover on legal matters .
As for the legal aid new rules what you have out lined I personally think its f#@$ing disgusting why is this allowed why dont the legle ppl complinento the government or who ever thought these rules up . As legal advice and representation SHOULD be available to all . .
Shouldn’t this be covered if the injured party has “legal cover” on his bike insurance?