Criminal legal aid if the charges are more serious – solemn cases

These include:

  • murder, rape, robbery
  • serious drugs cases
  • large thefts
  • serious assault.

If you are accused in a solemn case, you are automatically entitled to legal aid while you are in custody, until:

  • a decision is made about whether to grant you legal aid, or
  • you are given bail.

You can choose to use the duty solicitor or your own solicitor. After that you should apply for criminal legal aid – your solicitor will help you to do this.

SLAB  only has to consider whether paying your own legal costs would cause too much hardship to you or your dependants.