Home / Fees
Fees and legal aid
The ranges below are indicative. The actual fee for your case is set out in writing, with VAT identified separately, in a client-care letter before any work is instructed.
Astons Law Chambers is not a legal aid contract holder. Where legal aid applies, the case is referred to a partner solicitor firm at no cost. The first call is free either way. That call is where suitability is decided.
Indicative fee ranges
- Hourly rate
- £175–£400
- plus VAT
- First appearance / plea
- £500–£1,500
- plus VAT
- Written advice
- £75–£1,500
- plus VAT
- Single day hearing
- £700–£3,500
- plus VAT
- Trial brief fee
- £1,500–£3,000+
- plus VAT
- Trial refresher
- £700–£2,000 per day
- plus VAT
What sets the fee for your case
Three things shape the specific fee: the allegation, the court, and the work the case actually requires. Police station attendance is a single fee. Magistrates' Court appearances are typically one hearing fee. Crown Court work is quoted by stage — brief, refresher, plus advices and conferences where needed.
Where a case suits a single counsel, instructing one barrister authorised to conduct litigation can replace separate solicitor + barrister fees with a single fee structure.
A specific fee is agreed during the first call. Phone, WhatsApp, and a callback booking are on the contact page.
Driving offences
A specific fee depends on the charge, the court, and whether the matter proceeds to trial. Indicative ranges for the hearing types above apply.
Violent crimes & drug offences
Crown Court trial work is quoted by stage. The brief fee covers preparation and the first day of trial; trial refreshers apply for each subsequent day. Advices and conferences are billed separately and set out in the client-care letter.
Appeals
Appeal work is typically quoted by stage: advice on prospects, drafting of grounds, and representation at the appeal hearing. Each stage is set out separately in the client-care letter.
Legal aid
Summarised at the top of this page. The detailed explainer is on the legal aid page.
What to bring to a first conference
Have these ready if you can. The first call is free, so call even if you don't have them yet.
- Any charge sheet, summons, or requisition you have been sent.
- The date and court of any next hearing.
- Any bail or police-imposed conditions you are under.
- Letters from the police, the CPS, or the court.
- A note of what you have been told so far, and by whom.
- Any papers already given to you, such as disclosure or interview records.
- Any previous convictions or cautions.