Very high cost criminal cases

Important Announcement

Information regarding VHCC case categorisation criteria

During the recent VHCC review, it was agreed that the fraud criteria for the categorisation of contracts would be changed. The s.4 CJA transfer was removed from the fraud criteria during this review. However, an oversight meant that the requirement of meeting 3 criteria from block A in order to attain category 2 was not changed.

Following consultation with the Law Society and the Bar Council, the CCU has agreed that the requirement in the fraud criteria for a category 2 fraud case should read "2 criteria from Block A and at least 2a's or b's from Block B"

Although the VHCC Arrangements 2004 (annex B) have not yet been changed, this approach to categorisation will be adopted for all existing and new category 2 fraud cases in anticipation of amendments to the Arrangements being made. Criteria for all other categories remains unchanged.

If you have any queries regarding the category of your contract, these should be referred to your contract manager in the first instance.

Please see below for information on the Complex Crime Unit.

The Complex Crime Unit

The Complex Crime Unit (CCU) of the Legal Services Commission manages Very High Cost Criminal (VHCC) cases under individual case contracts. The Unit also manages the Specialist Fraud Panel (SFP), which was established to control defence costs in Very High Cost Fraud cases.

All firms are under an obligation to notify the CCU of all cases falling within the VHCC definition. A VHCC is one that is likely to last for 41 days or more at trial. A defence team is made up of the solicitors firm, counsel and any experts instructed.

Upon receipt of a notification of a VHCC, the Unit will assess the information provided and decide whether The case meets the VHCC criteria. If the CCU wishes to contract for a case, it can insist on doing so. From April 2004, all cases will be run under an individual case contract by the Unit.

If you require any further information, please contact a member of the Complex Crime Unit at the address below or email ccu@legalservices.gov.uk

Complex Crime Unit
11th Floor, Exchange Tower
2 Harbour Exchange,
London, E14 9GE
DX 170 London / Chancery Lane
Tel: 0207 718 8402
Fax: 0207 718 8018

We also have offices in Liverpool, Leeds and Birmingham.