Fee Structure

Debt recovery

The charges set out below are applicable if the debt is undisputed.  We will charge on a time basis with the work being carried out by a Grade C Solicitor (less than 4 years since qualification) supervised by a Grade A Solicitor (over 12 years since qualification).

The hourly rate charged by the Grade A will be £350 and by the Grade C will be £200.   The service provided covers sending a Pre-Action Letter complying with the Civil Procedure Rules and if it is then necessary, issuing proceedings online for the Court to serve (the court fee is 4.5% of the sum claimed); entering Judgment in default; instructing bailiffs.

For undisputed debts up to £10,000 we will cap our fees at a maximum of £750 plus VAT.

For undisputed debts over £10,000 and up to £50,000 we will cap our fees at a maximum of £2,250 plus VAT.

For undisputed debts over £50,000 up to £100,000 we will cap our fees at £3,500 plus VAT.

If a debt is disputed we will advise and provide an estimate of fees.  Our services will not include any form of enforcement other than instructing bailiffs.  We will provide quotations for other forms of enforcement such as applying for a charging order, serving a statutory demand,  issuing a bankruptcy petition or a winding up petition.

 

Expert Legal Representation for Motoring Offences

At Stokoe Partnership Solicitors, we provide expert legal representation for individuals facing motoring offence investigations and prosecutions. We are committed to transparency and fairness in our fees, ensuring that high-quality legal assistance is accessible and affordable.

 Our Commitment

  • No Hidden Costs: We offer clear and upfront pricing with no hidden costs.
  • Fixed Fee System: Wherever possible, we provide a single fixed fee agreed upon in advance.
  • Flexible Payment Options: We offer flexible payment plans to make our services affordable.
  • Client-Centric Approach: If we believe that legal representation is not in your best interest, we will advise you accordingly.

Our Fees and Charges

General Motoring Offences (Excluding Drink Driving)

  • Guilty Plea and Mitigation (Without Court Attendance): £600 (excluding VAT)
    • Applicable for minor offences (e.g., lower-level speeding) where you seek to minimize the penalty without attending court.
  • Guilty Plea and Mitigation (With Court Representation): £1,500 (excluding VAT)
    • For more serious offences, includes court representation to minimize your sentence or achieve specific outcomes.
  • Guilty Plea and Exceptional Hardship Argument (With Court Representation): £1,500 – £2,000 (excluding VAT)
    • For those facing disqualification under the “totting up” of penalty points.
  • Guilty Plea and Special Reasons Argument (With Court Representation): £1,500 – £1,750 (excluding VAT)
    • For arguing special circumstances (e.g., unaware of driving without insurance) to avoid penalty points.
  • Not Guilty Plea and Trial (With Court Representation): £1,500 – £2,000 (excluding VAT)
    • For challenging accusations (e.g., using a mobile phone while driving) at trial.

 Drink Driving Related Offences

  • Guilty Plea and Mitigation (With Court Representation):
    • Single Hearing: £1,500 (excluding VAT)
    • Two Hearings: £2,100 (excluding VAT)
  • Guilty Plea and Special Reasons Application (With Court Representation): £1,500 – £1,750 (excluding VAT)
    • For mitigating circumstances to avoid mandatory disqualification.
  • Not Guilty Plea and Trial (With Court Representation): £4,500 – £6,000 (excluding VAT)
    • For contesting drink driving charges at trial, includes representation at up to three hearings.

What Our Fixed Fees Include:

  • All advice and case preparation.
  • Representation at one court hearing (additional hearings will be charged at £600 plus VAT each).
  • Disbursements (excluding expert reports).

Additional Costs:

  • Expert Reports: Typically range from £400 to £2,500 plus VAT.
  • Defendant Cost Orders: Preparation and submission for recovering costs upon successful defence (£150 plus VAT).

Payment Options:

We understand that legal fees can be a financial burden. We offer staged payment plans over an agreed period to make our services more accessible.

Experience and Qualifications

At Stokoe Partnership Solicitors, our legal team is composed of a diverse group of professionals, ranging from Newly Qualified Solicitors to highly experienced solicitors with over 15 years of Post Qualification Experience (PQE). This breadth of experience allows us to handle a wide array of motoring offence cases with both the fresh perspectives of newer lawyers and the seasoned expertise of our senior solicitors.

All our solicitors are supported by, and in turn supervise, a team of experienced paralegals. This collaborative approach ensures that each case benefits from comprehensive attention to detail and a well-rounded legal strategy. Our paralegals, while not qualified solicitors, have significant experience in motoring offences and play a crucial role in supporting case preparation and management.

This structured support system and supervision ensure that every case is handled with the utmost care and professionalism, regardless of the complexity of the matter.

Basis for Charges

Our charges are structured to reflect the experience and expertise of the fee earner handling your case. The hourly rate is determined by the Post Qualification Experience (PQE) of the solicitor involved, with partners at the top end of the scale and paralegals at the lower end.

Hourly rates range from £180 to £575 per hour, exclusive of VAT, expenses, and disbursements. This structure ensures that you receive the appropriate level of expertise for your specific needs, while also providing transparency and clarity regarding the costs involved.

All expenses and disbursements, such as court fees, expert reports, and travel costs, will be clearly communicated to you and are charged in addition to our hourly rates.

Likely Timescales and Key Stages

The key stages in a typical motoring offence case might include:

  • Initial consultation and case assessment.
  • Preparation of your case, including gathering evidence and liaising with experts.
  • Representation at court hearings.
  • Post-hearing follow-up and advice.

The timescales for concluding motoring offence cases vary depending on the nature of the plea and the complexity of the case. Below are the estimated timescales for each type of case, though these are subject to the court’s diary and availability for hearing dates:

General Motoring Offences (Excluding Drink Driving)

  • Guilty Plea and Mitigation (Without Court Attendance):
    • The case should conclude approximately 1 to 2 months after the plea and mitigation have been submitted.
  • Guilty Plea and Mitigation (With Court Representation):
    • The case should conclude within approximately 2 to 4 months after the plea is submitted, subject to the court’s diary and availability to list hearing dates.
  • Guilty Plea and Exceptional Hardship Argument (With Court Representation):
    • The case should conclude within approximately 3 to 6 months after the plea is submitted, subject to the court’s diary and availability to list hearing dates.
  • Guilty Plea and Special Reasons Argument (With Court Representation):
    • The case should conclude within approximately 3 to 6 months after the plea is submitted, subject to the court’s diary and availability to list hearing dates.

Drink Driving Related Offences

  • Guilty Plea and Mitigation (With Court Representation):
    • The case should conclude within approximately 2 to 4 months after the plea is submitted, subject to the court’s diary and availability to list hearing dates.
  • Guilty Plea and Special Reasons Application (With Court Representation):
    • The case should conclude within approximately 3 to 6 months after the plea is submitted, subject to the court’s diary and availability to list hearing dates.
  • Not Guilty Plea and Trial (With Court Representation):
    • The case should conclude within approximately 3 to 6 months after the plea is submitted, subject to the court’s diary and availability to list hearing dates.

Disbursements

  • Court Fees: Court fees are typically included in our fixed fees. However, in some cases, additional court costs may apply, which will be communicated to you in advance.
  • Expert Reports: These are typically between £400 and £2,500 plus VAT, depending on the complexity of the report required.

VAT Information

All our fees are exclusive of VAT, which is charged at the current rate of 20%.

Contact Us

For further information or to discuss your case, please contact us at 0208 558 8884 or email enquiries@stokoepartnership.com. Our experienced team is here to help you achieve the best possible outcome.