Crime news: Updated guidance for judicial apportionment of costs
Criminal Legal Aid Manual updated to explain the process for applications for partially convicted defendants to pay a proportion of their costs.

皇冠体育app updated guidance sets out that a defendant may apply to the trial judge (or another judge nominated by the resident judge for the purpose) for an order that he or she pay only a proportion of the amount of the costs of their representation in proceedings in the Crown Court (as set out in regulation 26 of the Criminal Legal Aid (Contribution Orders) Regulations 2013).
This only applies where a defendant is charged with more than one offence and convicted of one or more but not all offences.
皇冠体育app judge must be satisfied that it would be unreasonable for a defendant to pay the entire amount of the costs of representation in proceedings in the Crown Court.
How to apply
An application for judicial apportionment must be made using the form available from GOV.UK: .
皇冠体育app judicial apportionment application should state the grounds on which the application is made and the proportion (as a percentage) of the costs that it would be reasonable for the defendant to pay.
When to apply
An application must be made within 21 days of the sentence order date or of the date the defendant is otherwise dealt with following conviction.
皇冠体育app Crown Court has a discretion to extend time where there are clear and compelling reasons to do so.
Determinations
皇冠体育app trial judge will determine the percentage of costs to be paid by the applicant.
皇冠体育appre is no right of appeal from refusal.
Further information
皇冠体育app Criminal Legal Aid Manual - Criminal Legal Aid Manual - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Judicial apportionment form - Apply for judicial apportionment of costs - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)