CDS News

Earlier this year we published some guidance to reduce reject rates for criminal legal aid applications in both the Crown Court and magistrates’ court.

We received positive feedback on this document so we're publishing a further CCMT feedback newsletter focusing on rejected applications for Crown Court applications.

As this is a new process and incorporates a different procedure for accepting completed legal aid applications, we've tried to highlight the key areas that are required before an application can be accepted as complete.

If you require further detail on what constitutes a fully completed form in the Crown Court please refer to the Criminal Legal Aid Manual page 41-47.

Quick reminder

Solicitors must not leave legal aid applications on court counters, when there is not a member of court staff available. This is for several reasons:

• The application could easily be misplaced and as the forms contain sensitive personal data, leaving it an unattended place breaches data security.
• In accordance with CCMT rules, if a legal application is left on the counter and is incomplete, court staff will be required to reject the application for completeness. This adds unnecessary delays for providers and court staff.
• If the legal aid application is handed to a member of court staff they can carry out a pre-submission check and advise if the application is incomplete. This can mean that any missing information can be collected on that day.
• This will ensure that the application (in Crown Court cases) is granted on that day and not delayed until the fully completed application is received.