A hundred straight answers, before you ever pick up the phone.

Can I instruct Theodorous privately even if I would qualify for Legal Aid?

Yes. Many clients who would qualify for Legal Aid choose to instruct us privately for direct choice of solicitor, speed, and discretion.

How are private fees charged?

Either as a fixed fee agreed in advance for defined pieces of work, or at an hourly rate for ongoing matters, always agreed before work begins.

Will I get a written estimate before work starts?

Yes, scope and likely cost are set out in writing before any chargeable work begins.

What happens if my case grows more complex than expected?

You are told before any additional cost is incurred, not afterwards.

Do you offer fixed fees for police station attendance?

Yes, a single police station attendance is typically quoted as a fixed fee.

Can I switch from Legal Aid to private representation partway through a case?

In most circumstances yes, though timing and any existing Legal Aid costs should be discussed with us first.

Do you require payment upfront?

Private matters generally require funds on account before work begins, confirmed at the outset.

Is the initial conversation chargeable?

No, an initial conversation about your situation and options costs nothing.

Do civil and commercial matters qualify for Legal Aid?

Legal Aid is not generally available for civil and commercial disputes, so these are conducted on a private fee basis.

Can you act on a no-win-no-fee basis?

This depends on the type of matter. Ask us directly and we will tell you honestly whether it is appropriate for your case.

Will the same solicitor handle my case throughout?

Private clients have direct, ongoing access to the Principal Solicitor for the duration of the matter.

Do you accept card payments?

Yes, alongside standard bank transfer.

Can businesses instruct Theodorous directly for commercial disputes?

Yes, we act for individuals and businesses on private commercial instructions.

Is there a minimum case size you will take on privately?

No fixed minimum. Tell us what has happened and we will advise whether private instruction makes sense for your situation.

How discreet is private instruction?

Complete discretion is standard practice, particularly relevant for reputation-sensitive matters.

What should I bring to an initial private consultation?

Any relevant documents, correspondence or court papers you already have, and a short account of what has happened.

Do I have to answer police questions in an interview?

No. You have the right to silence, though the legal effect of staying silent should be explained to you before deciding.

Is police station advice free?

Advice and representation at the police station is available under Legal Aid regardless of your means, or privately if you prefer.

Should I attend a voluntary police interview without a solicitor?

No. A voluntary interview carries real legal risk and should never be attended without advice first.

How quickly can a solicitor attend the police station?

Genuinely urgent attendances are prioritised. Call as soon as you know an interview is happening.

Can a solicitor attend by phone instead of in person?

In some circumstances yes, though in-person attendance is usually preferable for anything serious.

What happens if I am arrested?

You are taken into custody, your rights are explained, and you are entitled to free legal advice before any interview.

Can I speak to my solicitor privately before the interview?

Yes, a private consultation before interview is standard and important.

What is a caution?

A caution is the formal warning given before questioning, confirming you do not have to say anything but that anything you do say may be used in evidence.

Can police keep me in custody indefinitely?

No, strict statutory time limits apply to detention without charge, and extensions require specific authorisation.

What is bail after a police station attendance?

Release, sometimes with conditions, while the investigation continues, without any charge yet being made.

Can I be interviewed more than once about the same matter?

Yes, further interviews can happen as an investigation develops.

Do I need a solicitor if I am innocent?

Yes. Innocence does not remove the risk of a poorly handled interview. Advice protects you either way.

What is an appropriate adult?

A support person required for interviews involving a vulnerable person or a minor, separate from legal representation.

Will my solicitor tell me what to say?

No, but they will advise you on your options, the evidence, and the implications of each approach before you decide.

Can evidence from my phone be used against me?

Yes, where lawfully obtained, digital evidence including phone data is commonly relied upon in investigations.

What happens after the interview?

You may be released under investigation, bailed with conditions, charged, or told no further action will be taken, though this can take time to be decided.

Should I contact a solicitor before police contact me, if I know an investigation is coming?

Yes, early advice before any police contact can materially change how the case develops.

Can I request a specific solicitor at the police station?

Yes, you are entitled to request your own solicitor rather than the duty solicitor.

What is the difference between the Magistrates' Court and the Crown Court?

Less serious matters are dealt with in the Magistrates' Court. More serious offences, or matters too serious for a Magistrates' sentence, go to the Crown Court.

Will my case definitely go to trial?

No, many cases resolve through a plea, discontinuance, or the case not proceeding, without ever reaching trial.

What is a PTPH?

A Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing, an early Crown Court hearing where plea is indicated and the case is timetabled.

Can I change my plea after entering it?

In limited circumstances yes, though this becomes harder as a case progresses and should be discussed with your solicitor immediately.

What is disclosure?

The prosecution's duty to provide material that might reasonably assist the defence or undermine its own case.

What happens if the prosecution fails to disclose evidence properly?

It can be challenged, and in serious cases can lead to a prosecution being discontinued.

How long does a Crown Court case usually take?

This varies considerably by case complexity and court listing, from several months to over a year.

Can I get bail while waiting for trial?

In most cases yes, though this depends on the offence, your history, and any perceived risk.

What is the difference between a fine, a community order and a custodial sentence?

These are different levels of sentence, ranging from a financial penalty through supervised requirements in the community to imprisonment, depending on offence seriousness and personal circumstances.

Can a conviction be appealed?

Yes, appeals against conviction or sentence are possible within specific time limits and generally require identifiable grounds.

What is a good character direction?

Guidance the court can give a jury about the relevance of a defendant having no previous convictions.

Do I need to give evidence at my own trial?

No, though the decision not to can, in some circumstances, be commented on, and should be discussed carefully with your solicitor.

What is cross-examination?

The process of the other side's advocate questioning a witness, including the defendant if they choose to give evidence.

Can charges be dropped before trial?

Yes, where the evidence does not support a realistic prospect of conviction or it is not in the public interest to proceed.

What is a special measures application?

A request for adjustments, such as screens or video evidence, to help a vulnerable witness give evidence.

Will a conviction show on a background check?

Depending on the offence and sentence, some convictions become spent after a period and are not disclosed in standard checks. Serious matters may always be disclosable.

What is the burden of proof in a criminal case?

The prosecution must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The defendant does not have to prove innocence.

Can I represent myself in the Crown Court?

You are entitled to, though it is very rarely advisable given the complexity of procedure and evidence.

What is a confiscation order?

A court order under the Proceeds of Crime Act requiring payment of a sum representing the financial benefit of criminal conduct, made after conviction.

How soon after charge will the first hearing be?

Typically within days to a few weeks, depending on the offence and whether you are on bail or in custody.

Am I automatically entitled to Legal Aid for a criminal case?

No, eligibility depends on a means test and, for most matters, an interests of justice test.

Is Legal Aid always free?

Not always. Some Crown Court cases involve a contribution based on income, refundable if you are acquitted.

Does Legal Aid cover the police station stage?

Yes, advice and representation at the police station is available regardless of means.

Can I choose which Legal Aid solicitor represents me?

You can request a specific firm, subject to them holding a relevant Legal Aid contract, such as Theodorous.

What is the interests of justice test?

An assessment of whether the seriousness of the matter and its likely consequences justify public funding for representation.

Does Legal Aid cover appeals?

In many cases yes, subject to a fresh assessment of merits and, where relevant, means.

What happens if my income changes during a case?

Your Legal Aid position can be reassessed, and you should tell your solicitor promptly if your circumstances change.

Is Legal Aid available for civil and commercial disputes?

Generally not. Legal Aid in this area is now very limited and mostly does not extend to commercial litigation.

Do I have to repay Legal Aid if I am found guilty?

Depending on the case and your means, a contribution or costs order may apply. This should be explained to you clearly at the outset.

Can Legal Aid be refused?

Yes, where the means or interests of justice tests are not met, though this can sometimes be revisited.

Does Legal Aid cover expert reports?

Where reasonably necessary and approved, yes, though this typically requires specific authorisation.

What does it mean that Theodorous is a Legal Aid Agency contracted firm?

It means we are formally authorised to provide publicly funded criminal defence work, not just private representation.

Can I apply for Legal Aid myself, or does my solicitor do it?

Your solicitor handles the application as part of taking on your case.

Is Legal Aid available if I am not a British citizen?

Eligibility is generally based on the case and means rather than nationality, though it is worth confirming your specific circumstances with us.

What if I am refused Legal Aid but cannot afford private fees?

Tell us honestly. We will discuss realistic options, including whether a refusal can be challenged.

Do I need to go to court to resolve a civil dispute?

No, many disputes settle through negotiation, correspondence or mediation before any claim is issued.

How long do I have to bring a contract claim?

Generally six years from the breach for a simple contract, or twelve years if the contract is a deed.

How long do I have to bring a defamation claim?

Generally one year from publication, considerably shorter than most other civil claims.

What is a letter before action?

A formal letter setting out a claim and inviting resolution before court proceedings are issued.

Can I get an injunction the same day?

In genuinely urgent cases, yes, though a proper legal basis and evidence are still required.

What is the difference between the County Court and the High Court?

Broadly, case value and complexity. Higher value or more complex claims are more likely to proceed in the High Court.

Will I have to pay the other side's costs if I lose?

Generally the losing party contributes to the winning party's costs, subject to the court's discretion and any offers made.

What is a Part 36 offer?

A formal settlement offer with specific costs consequences designed to encourage realistic settlement.

Can a shareholder be forced out of a company unfairly?

Where conduct is unfairly prejudicial to a minority shareholder, a claim and remedy may be available under the Companies Act.

What is a freezing injunction?

An order preventing a party from dissipating assets so that a future judgment is not rendered worthless.

Can I recover a debt without going to court?

Often yes, through a formal demand. Court proceedings are usually a last resort where that fails.

What is a statutory demand?

A formal demand for payment of a debt above a set threshold, which if unpaid can be used to found bankruptcy or winding-up proceedings.

Can I get content about me removed from the internet?

Sometimes, through platform reporting or data protection requests, without needing to bring a claim at all.

What counts as defamation?

A published statement that has caused, or is likely to cause, serious harm to reputation.

What is judicial review?

A challenge to the legality of a decision made by a public body, on limited specific grounds, subject to strict time limits.

How quickly must a judicial review claim be brought?

Promptly, and in any event within three months of the decision.

Can I sue the police?

Yes, in appropriate circumstances, including for wrongful arrest, false imprisonment or excessive force.

What is mediation?

A structured, confidential negotiation process with an independent third party, aimed at resolving a dispute without trial.