Accreditations

Criminal Defence Service

The Criminal Defence Service (CDS) use criminal legal aid to help people who are under investigation or facing criminal charges.

By ensuring that people accused of crimes have access to legal advice and representation, the CDS also helps the police and courts operate fairly and efficiently.

Criminal legal aid can offer:

advice and assistance from a solicitor on criminal matters

free legal advice from a solicitor at the police station during questioning

the cost of a solicitor preparing a case and initial representation for certain proceedings at a magistrates’ or Crown court

full legal representation for defence in criminal cases at all court levels

a duty solicitor to provide free legal advice and representation at magistrates’ court.

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