Funding

Sonn Macmillan Walker undertake legally aided and privately funded representation.

Legal aid

If you have been arrested or are being interviewed under caution at a police station, you are entitled to speak to a solicitor free of charge regardless of your means.

If you are prosecuted, you may qualify for legal aid depending on the seriousness of the case and your means. Much of our work is funded in this way. If you do not qualify we will discuss the cost of private representation.

Our experienced solicitors represent legally aided clients with dedication, compassion and determination. We offer the highest standard of service to every client.

To find out if you are eligible for legal aid, please call Sonn Macmillan Walker on 020 7481 9157.


Private Funding

Private legal representation is not the exclusive domain of the wealthy. Many clients are ordinary people who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances and require a relentless defence of their reputation and livelihood.

Most of our clients do not have access to unlimited funds yet seek to appoint the best possible defence team. We specialise in offering good value for accomplished lawyers who consistently achieve the desired outcome.

Our impressive track record and endorsement from leading barristers’ chambers and legal directories speaks for itself.

“A force to be reckoned with,” Chambers Legal Directory

We work on every case with commitment and dedication, leaving no stone unturned. Our lawyers travel around the country, work long hours and make themselves available to you at all reasonable times.

We work in conjunction with experienced barristers and Queen’s Counsel and in the last year we have secured acquittals in cases involving allegations of murder, drug importation and serious sex offences as well as a host of other serious charges. We are experienced in working hard in the early stage of police interviews to avert prosecution altogether.

“The firm undertakes a significant amount of privately funded work ….. staff members are very sensitive to the needs of clients and recognise that being the subject of criminal proceedings is a stressful experience. Equally, they do not shy away from providing robust advice.” Legal 500

For affordable private legal representation call us on 020 7481 9157.

Motor offences fees

Led by David Sonn, we provide expert advice and assistance to clients facing prosecution for a driving offence.

For matters dealt with in the magistrates’ court, public funding is generally not available. If instructed privately, the following is a guide to the fees we would charge to represent. We are happy to provide a no-obligation quote upon request.

Value Added Tax will be applied to your bill, unless you are exempt.

Fixed fees

In most case, we can agree a fixed fee. The level of the fee will depend on the complexity of the case, the volume of evidence and preparation time required. It will also depend on whether the case will involve a guilty plea or a trial.

Our minimum fee for attending a plea hearing at a magistrates’ court within London is £500. If a client is facing a totting disqualification, our fee (including for preparation) will be between £1,500 and £2,000. The fee for conducting a trial in relation to a road traffic offence is unlikely to be less than £2,000. The fee will reflect complexity of the case and the seniority of the fee earner preparing the case and attending the hearing.

Hourly rates

If charging an hourly rate, the rate will depend on the seniority of the fee earner deployed. Our hourly rates range from £150 for a paralegal assistant to £400 for our most experienced solicitor.

Disbursements

We will re-charge our travel costs if traveling outside London.

In certain cases, we may need to instruct an expert witness. The expert’s fees will be in addition to our fees.

If you wish us to instruct a barrister to represent you at court, the barrister’s fees will be in addition to our fees. This cost will depend on the complexity of the case and seniority of the barrister instructed.

To discuss fees and for further information, please call us on 020 7481 9157 or email enquiries@smw-law.co.uk

Referrals

Referring your client to us ensures a seamless transition into safe hands. Our criminal defence lawyers are equipped with legal experience and expertise covering the full range of criminal charges. If your client requests a referral to one of London’s leading criminal defence firms, send them our way and we will demonstrate efficiency and dedication in defending them.

Refer your client to us without hesitation. Call us on 020 7481 9157.