Legal aid payments available for pre-charge engagement
- 11 November 2024 13:01
- UK News and communications
The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) has announced that legal aid payments will be available for pre-charge engagement work undertaken by criminal defence solicitors and licensed legal executives.
The new policy will come into effect on 1 April 2025. It will allow solicitors and legal executives to provide advice and assistance to suspects at an earlier stage in the criminal justice process, before they have been charged with an offence.
The LAA said that the change would help to ensure that suspects have access to legal advice at a vital stage in the process, when they may be particularly vulnerable. Pre-charge engagement can also help to reduce the number of people who are unnecessarily arrested and charged, and can lead to earlier guilty pleas and shorter sentences.
To be eligible for legal aid, pre-charge engagement work must be carried out in accordance with the LAA’s Code of Conduct for Legal Aid Providers. This means that it must be provided by a qualified solicitor or legal executive who is independent of the police.
The LAA said that it would be issuing further guidance on the new policy in due course.
The Law Society welcomed the LAA’s announcement. In a statement, the Law Society said: “This is a positive step that will help to ensure that suspects have access to legal advice at a crucial stage in the criminal justice process.”
“Pre-charge engagement can play a vital role in reducing the number of unnecessary arrests and charges, and can lead to earlier guilty pleas and shorter sentences. It is also essential for ensuring that suspects understand their rights and are able to make informed decisions about their case.”
The Criminal Bar Association also welcomed the LAA’s announcement. In a statement, the CBA said: “This is a significant development that will help to improve access to justice for suspects at a critical stage in the criminal process.”
“Pre-charge engagement can help to ensure that suspects are fully informed of their rights and options, and can help to reduce the likelihood of unnecessary arrests and charges. It is also an important step towards achieving a fairer and more just criminal justice system.”
Legal aid payments available for pre-charge engagement
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