Background to regulation changes for early resolution from 4 November 2022

Please see this update for full details on the benefits, changes and background.

Changes were made to support the New Summary Criminal Model Pilots in Dundee, Hamilton, Paisley and Glasgow, where more information is now being disclosed to the defence at the start of cases to help encourage earlier resolution.

In these cases, as soon as key information is received by the Crown, they will disclose it to the solicitor, provided they have received a Letter of Engagement confirming that they are acting in the case. In some instances, this may even be before the complaint is formally issued.

While the new early disclosure arrangements will be concentrated in the four pilot court areas, these Regulations apply to all cases across the country, so solicitors in other areas will also benefit from being able to claim the fixed fees in cases which can be resolved at these early stages.