Why crime doesn't pay
 

Do you remember the road traffic prosecution client I defended - successfully - the CPS withdrew the charges because I found serious holes in the prosecution case that they didn't want publicised in court.

When the CPS drop cases you can claim your costs (well not all, the government isn't that generous). It used to be that you sent your file to the Mags Court clerk. That system changed a few months back and now you send the file to the 'National Taxing Team' for the area - in this case, Manchester. So I did this immediately to avoid delay in payment.

The nice people at the NTT - they are genuinely helpful but severely overworked as the government has devised a system which as ever is underfunded, under-resourced and which simply doesn't work - have at last sent me an acknowledgement saying that they hope to have dealt with the case within the next three months. Oh great, so with a good wind and a lot of luck I might get paid at the end of March for work I did in September.

This is a national disgrace. It was the CPS that cocked it all up, the prosecution should never have been brought with the evidential weaknesses that it had. And yet I have to fund all this work in progress. My bill was about £1,000, and I know from previous experience that I will be lucky to get £500 from them, which means I'll have to chase my client for the rest.

This is one of the reasons why I don't do much crime.

Those of you who are employed - how would you like it if your employer said to you that they will pay you for this month next June? That is what this fantastic government expects me to accept.

Re: Why crime doesn't pay
 

Surely your client pays you and then THEY claim their costs back???.......

If they want YOU to persue the claim, then you take a further cut of the money he can reclaim!

I think you need to change your policy lol

Re: Why crime doesn't pay
 

G me duck, if only. Fine in principle, rather more difficult in practice:rolleyes:

Re: Why crime doesn't pay
 

Sorry to hear this...

If it helps at all you should be able to raise your invoice to me tomorrow.... and you will get paid instantly... coz im nice like that... :-)

Re: Why crime doesn't pay
 

Sorry Ed, I agree with G. Your client is responsible for his bill, he should pay you now and then wait for his costs from government. If he wants you to do the work to recover his costs, then he needs charging for that also. It's what I'd expect if I were your client.

Re: Why crime doesn't pay
 

Not good.

Although it would seem from the standard of the CPS prosecution, they're over worked and under funded too. The government really is systematically destroying the justice system.

Re: Why crime doesn't pay
 

I appreciate how the no win no fee business works as such on personal injury claims.

But if a client wants you to defend them in a speeding offence (where the chances of winning are somewhat reduced), surely he pays you to do that at an agreed rate regardless.

If he wins and is then able to claim his costs back then on he goes, he does that himself.........however, if he want you to claim his cost back for him, then thats further work for you....which he should additionally pay for?

Re: Why crime doesn't pay
 

Ed,

Im not knocking you, I know solicitors are professional well respected people, but how do you defend criminals? Im not talking about traffic stuff here im talking about burglars, car theives etc etc.

I appreciate you dont do criminal work very often but I dont understand how solicitors can stand up for someone who has (in a lot of cases) obviously done wrong. I personally couldnt do it.

With regards to the funding side I understand your frustration and I would be unhappy about this too. As i said before im not knocking you and im not looking for an argument, I know this is off topic but i just thought I would add my 2p worth...

Re: Why crime doesn't pay
 

C'mon Ed - Sun style Headline there.

Should read

"Crime does pay, but it bloody well takes its time and doesnt pay that well".

:)

Back on topic - yep that sux

Re: Why crime doesn't pay
 

I'm guessing because, despite popular opinion, not everyone that ends up in the dock is guilty. :rolleyes: