Legal Aid

The firm where Patrycja Szymanska practices provides legal aid services, including representation at police stations and during court proceedings.

Representation at the police station

If you have been arrested or asked to attend a voluntary interview, legal aid at the police station is not means tested. Anyone who is due to be interviewed under caution has the right to free and independent legal advice, either at the police station or at another location, such as their home address.

Representation at the Magistrates’ Court

If you are charged, summoned or served with a postal requsition, you will first have to attend the Magistrates’ Court. Representation at the Magistrates’ Court through Legal Aid will depend on your financial circumstances. If your income is below a certain threshold set by Legal Aid, you will have to pass an ‘interests of justice test’, which takes into account the Interests of Justice and Means criteria.

Representation in the Crown Court

Eligibility for legal aid in the Crown Court is subject to the same two tests as in the Magistrates Court: Interests of Justice and Means. You must pass both tests to be eligible for legal aid.

 If you are eligible for Legal Aid funding in the Magistrates Court, you will automatically be eligible for Crown Court legal aid.

Alternative options

If you do not qualify for Legal Aid funding, we can still offer representation in court.

 Fees vary depending on the level of service you are seeking. All legal services that are provided via an SRA-regulated firm may be subject to VAT.

​Any disbursements, such as court fees, expert reports, forensic reports, expert witnesses, and barristers will be additional costs and subject to VAT unless expressly stated otherwise.