We are committed to providing clear and transparent information about our legal fees. In accordance with the Bar Standards Board transparency rules, we publish the following guide to our pricing models and indicative costs for criminal defence services.

Contact Us for a Quotation

Professional, licensed access, and lay clients may contact us at any time to obtain a specific quotation for legal services. We will always agree on the basis of charging with you before work commences.

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Our Pricing Models

We typically charge for our services using two primary models: Hourly Rates and Fixed Fees. The model used will depend on the nature of your case and the certainty of the workload involved.

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1. Hourly Rates

We typically use hourly rates for preparation, advice, and cases where the volume of work cannot be accurately predicted at the outset (for example, reviewing extensive used and unused material).

• Indicative Hourly Rate: £175 to £400 per hour (+ VAT)

The specific rate applied within this range depends on the complexity of the case, the seniority of the barrister instructed, and the urgency of the instructions.

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2. Fixed Fees (Crown Court Trials)

For substantial Crown Court trials, we generally agree on a "Fixed Fee" structure to provide you with certainty. This typically consists of a "Brief Fee" (covering preparation and the first day of trial) and "Refresher Fees" (for each subsequent day).

• First Appearance / Plea: £500 – £1,500
• Written Advice: £75 – £1,500
• Single Day Hearing: £700 – £3,500
• Trial (First Day "Brief Fee"): £1,500 – £3,000+
• Trial (Subsequent Days "Refresher"): £700 – £2,000 per day

Factors that may influence where your fee falls within this range include:

• The complexity of the legal issues and evidence.
• The volume of documentation (page count).
• The number of defendants involved.
• The seniority of the barrister required.

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Additional Costs (Disbursements)

In addition to our professional fees, you may be responsible for "disbursements." These are costs related to your case that are payable to third parties. Likely additional costs may include:

• Travel and Accommodation: If your barrister is required to travel to a court outside of London.
• Expert Reports: Fees for medical, forensic, or psychiatric experts required for your defence.
• Courier Costs: For the secure transmission of papers or evidence.

We will strictly not incur these costs without your prior knowledge and approval.

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Public Access

If you are instructing us directly under the Public Access scheme (without a solicitor), please note that different administrative procedures may apply. You can access the Bar Standards Board’s Guidance for  Clients here.

‍This pricing information is reviewed at least annually. Last reviewed: December 2025.

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All information is available in alternative formats (e.g., large print) upon request. Please contact info@astonslaw.com.