Legal Aid
We at Tim Kennelly Solicitors undertake Legal Aid cases. In order to qualify for legal aid you must meet certain criteria. Generally speaking, if you cannot afford to pay for your defence, then you may be granted Legal Aid by the courts.
Once Legal Aid has been provided, we will be in a position to assemble an appropriate legal team to represent you. This may include a barrister depending on the seriousness of the case.
If you have any questions about Legal Aid or your entitlement to it, please do not hesitate to get in touch and arrange a consultation regarding your circumstances and the possibilities open to you. We can be contacted through e-mail at info@timkennellysolicitors.iemailto:info@timkennellysolicitors.ie or alternatively you can ring us on 083 4155307.
In criminal law cases a person who wishes to be represented by a solicitor and does not have the requisite means to do so can apply to the court in which they are charged before for a legal aid certificate to cover the cost of their representation in the District Court.
This application can only be granted by a judge in the District Court and does not act retrospectively covering the costs incurred prior to the certificate being granted.
The certificate will only cover the offence for which it has been granted.
For example if a person is charged with public order and is granted a legal aid certificate for this matter but subsequently wishes to consult regarding a family law access matter the legal aid certificate for the public order matter will not cover the cost of the advice and work on the family law access matter. Even if the family law access matter and public order matter emanate from the same event only the public order will be covered by the legal aid certificate granted by the judge.
In a case such as the example above a legal aid certificate can be applied for in the persons local law centre. Once the matter concludes in the District Court and the person wishes to appeal then a new certificate will need to be applied for in the appeal court.
If a person is sent forward for trial then a new application for a certificate will need to be applied for either in the District court or at a later date in the Circuit Court
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In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.
How do you know if you qualify for Legal Aid?
To qualify for Legal Aid, you must meet certain financial criteria set by the courts, which generally means you cannot afford to pay for your defence. We at Tim Kennelly Solicitors can help you assess your eligibility and guide you through the application process. If you have any questions about your eligibility or need assistance, please contact us for a consultation.
What happens after you are granted Legal Aid?
Once granted Legal Aid, Tim Kennelly Solicitors will assemble a legal team to represent you. Depending on the complexity and seriousness of your case, this team may include a barrister. We will ensure you have the appropriate legal support to defend your case effectively.
In criminal law cases a person who wishes to be represented by a solicitor and does not have the requisite means to do so can apply to the court in which they are charged before for a legal aid certificate to cover the cost of their representation in the District Court.
This application can only be granted by a judge in the District Court and does not act retrospectively covering the costs incurred prior to the certificate being granted.
The certificate will only cover the offence for which it has been granted.
For example if a person is charged with public order and is granted a legal aid certificate for this matter but subsequently wishes to consult regarding a family law access matter the legal aid certificate for the public order matter will not cover the cost of the advice and work on the family law access matter. Even if the family law access matter and public order matter emanate from the same event only the public order will be covered by the legal aid certificate granted by the judge.
In a case such as the example above a legal aid certificate can be applied for in the persons local law centre.
Once the matter concludes in the District Court and the person wishes to appeal then a new certificate will need to be applied for in the appeal court.
If a person is sent forward for trial then a new application for a certificate will need to be applied for either in the District court or at a later date in the Circuit Court
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What is the catchment area of our solicitor services?At Tim Kennelly Solicitors, we cater our solicitor services to clients nationwide.
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How can you contact our team regarding our solicitor services?You can contact our team by phone, email, or whatsapp for more information on our solicitor services.
