Our fees for privately funded advice and representation in relation to summary-only road traffic offences dealt with in the Magistrates’ Court are set out below.

For more complex matters, offences that may also be tried in the Crown Court, or cases requiring additional hearings, we will provide an individual quotation.

Initial Consultation

Fixed fee: £300 plus VAT

We offer an initial consultation of up to one hour to discuss the allegation, consider the available information and advise on the options for proceeding.

If you subsequently instruct Chess Law Solicitors to represent you at your first appearance or case management hearing, the initial consultation fee will be deducted from the agreed hearing fee.

First Appearance / Case Management Hearing

Fixed fee: £1,500 plus VAT

For a standard motoring matter, this fee covers:

• Reviewing the available prosecution evidence.
• Advising on the allegation, plea and likely sentence.
• Advising on sentencing options, including disqualification, penalty points and, where relevant, special reasons or exceptional hardship.
• Preparing for, attending, and representing you at one Magistrates’ Court hearing.
• Explaining the outcome and immediate next steps.

The fee does not include a subsequent contested trial, additional hearings, preparation of expert evidence, witness statements, a separate special reasons or exceptional hardship hearing, or appeal proceedings. These will be quoted separately if required.

Contested Motoring Trials

Fees start at £2,000 plus VAT

Where an allegation is contested, the cost will depend upon the nature of the charge, the volume and complexity of evidence, the number of witnesses, the preparation required and the anticipated trial length.

Our trial preparation and representation may include:

• Reviewing the prosecution evidence and identifying the issues in dispute.
• Taking detailed instructions and advising on the defence.
• Considering relevant witness and technical evidence, including instructing and liaising with experts if required.
• Preparing the case for trial, including necessary applications and taking witness statements.
• Advising on the likely consequences of conviction.
• Representation at trial and advice on the outcome, including advice on appeal.

A written quotation will confirm the precise work included, the hearings covered and whether the first appearance fee is charged separately.

Where additional hearings, expert evidence or substantial further preparation are required, we will explain the likely additional costs before undertaking that work.

Additional Costs and Disbursements

Depending on the circumstances of the case, additional costs may arise for:

• Independent experts: Including accident reconstruction specialists, forensic experts or other professional witnesses.
• Interpreters and translations: Where assistance is required with interviews, documents or court preparation.
• Barristers’ fees: Where counsel is instructed separately.
• Travel and accommodation: Where necessary and not included within the agreed fee.
• Additional hearings or appeals: Where proceedings extend beyond the agreed scope of representation.

The cost of these services will depend upon the nature and extent of the work required. We will obtain and explain the relevant estimates before incurring expenditure, wherever practicable.

Court-imposed fines, prosecution costs, compensation and victim surcharges are not included in our legal fees.

How Long Will My Case Take?

The timescale depends upon the nature of the proceedings, the availability of evidence and the court’s listing arrangements.

An initial consultation can ordinarily be arranged once the relevant information has been provided and an appointment is available.

A straightforward matter involving a guilty plea may conclude at the first Magistrates’ Court hearing.

Where the allegation is contested, further preparation and a separate trial date will usually be required. Depending on court availability and the complexity of the case, proceedings may take several months to conclude.

We will provide a more specific estimate of the likely timescale once we have reviewed the circumstances and will keep you informed of any significant developments.

Who Will Handle Your Case?

Motoring matters are undertaken by suitably qualified members of our criminal defence team, with supervision appropriate to the nature and complexity of the case.

Our senior lawyers include:

Irfan Arif – Managing Director & Barrister

A criminal barrister with more than 15 years’ experience in criminal defence, including extensive Crown Court advocacy and complex criminal litigation. Irfan previously qualified as a solicitor and Solicitor-Advocate before transferring to the Bar.

Talia Coles – Head of Crime

A solicitor with more than 15 years’ experience in criminal litigation. Talia qualified as a solicitor in 2012, having previously been called to the Bar, and is an experienced criminal casework supervisor.

Further information about our lawyers, qualifications and professional experience is available on our Our People page.