Tang, Bentley & Jackson Solicitors, Fareham & Portsmouth, Hampshire

Criminal Defence & Road Traffic Specialists

Criminal Law

Magistrates' and Youth Courts

Again, an appearance before the courts is not a matter that one should leave to chance or one's own best efforts. With court targets and statistics ever more dominating the court administration, the pressure to proceed through the system quickly and, as a result, sometimes unrepresented, is worrying. The impact of a criminal record can be significant, even if not felt immediately, and there is of course the fact that everyone charged has the right to see that 'justice' is done.

Crown Court

Our Crown Court team is highly experienced with a proven track record in dealing with cases of alleged murder, manslaughter, conspiracy to supply drugs, armed robbery, serious sexual offences, large scale fraud and more. . As well as these more high profile types of case our team deals continually with offences involving drugs, violence, dishonesty, driving and sexual abuse.

Unlike most other firms of solicitors who provide representation in criminal matters, TBJ has its own in-house barrister. Daniel Reilly has been employed since 2001 and before that was at the independent Bar. Daniel Reilly has over 25 years experience appearing in the Crown Court and he is able to provide valuable input at an early stage in the case preparation process. We believe that this set up benefits our clients.

An equally important part in creating the successful Crown Court team is the overall management of cases by Theresa Tang. Theresa has a great track record and is wonderful with clients, able to relieve much of the stress and strain such proceedings often bring.

Legal Aid & Costs

TBJ Solicitors has a contract granted by the government (Legal Services Commission) to provide free advice and representation for those eligible under what is often referred to as the Legal Aid scheme.

Many individuals will be able to benefit from free representation under the Legal Aid scheme. Legal aid is available to clients who pass two tests.

Test One:
Is it in the 'Interests of Justice'? This might relate to the seriousness of the charge or to your particular circumstances.

Test Two:
Are you financially eligible? Please contact us to discuss this as the threshold differs depending on whether your case is before the Magistrates' Court or the Crown Court.

We will be happy to help you complete the necessary legal aid forms.

Almost all cases in the Youth Court and the majority of cases in the Magistrates' and Crown Court will qualify for Legal Aid. We will ensure that Legal Aid is obtained whenever possible. In the small number of cases where this is not possible, we can advise you as to the likely costs and offer a fixed fee option for you to consider.

ROAD TRAFFIC CASES - cases such as speeding, drink driving and no insurance are usually dealt with at the Magistrates' Court and are a regular part of the work we specialise in. These cases will often not qualify for Legal Aid. Such matters are very often dealt with by way of fixed fees. Representation at our local Magistrates' court for a single hearing (e.g. plea and sentence hearing) is £350 plus VAT.

• Up to 2 hours attendance and preparation
  • To consider the evidence
  • Take your instructions
  • Provide you with the relevant advice on likely sentence
• Attendance at a single hearing

• The instruction of any expert witnesses
• Taking statements from any witnesses
• Advice and assistance in relation to a 'special reason' or 'exceptional hardship' argument
• Advice or assistance in relation to any appeal

• Meeting/speaking with your solicitor to provide instructions on what happened.
• We will consider initial disclosure, and any other evidence and provide advice.
• Arranging to take any witness statements if necessary (there will be an additional cost of £75 plus VAT for any such statements)
• We will explain the procedure to you, so you know what to expect on the day of your hearing, and the sentencing options available to the court.
• We will conduct any further preparatory work, obtain further instructions from you if necessary and answer any follow up queries you may have.
• Please note we cannot provide a timescale of when your hearing will take place, as this depends on the court listing for that day.
• We will attend court on the day and meet with you in advance of going before the court. We anticipate being at court for up to half a day.
• We will discuss the outcome with you. If advice is required on appeal, this will carry an additional cost.