We at Rawlings Criminal Law believe the legal profession should be committed to service and justice rather than merely to profit. We are not an expensive firm and will likely come in as less expensive than other quotes you may get. We pride ourselves on being seriously good value for money and are able to reduce your costs while still providing our top tier skills and results.
We can offer a variety of fee payment structures and will review these with you in advance and in detail so that you can choose what is best for you.
We are authorised to operate a trust account and will often collect a retainer from you which is then held on trust until your work is satisfactorily completed.
Depending on the nature of your case and circumstances, we can perform work under the following types of legal funding agreements:
FIXED costs
In most traffic law matters, bail applications, no-conviction applications, and guilty plea sentencings we can offer a fixed fee.
Please contact us for a quote.
For more regional courts a small travelling fee applies.
MAGISTRATES COURT SENTENCING
For a plea of guilty in the Magistrates Court, the fee includes taking your initial instructions, giving of advice, correspondence with the prosecution including obtaining and reviewing the charge and evidence, any relevant research, preparation and appearance in Court for sentencing.
BAIL APPLICATIONS
For a bail application in the Magistrates Court, the fee includes taking your initial instructions, giving of advice, correspondence with the prosecution including obtaining and reviewing the charge and material relied upon by police to oppose bail, drafting of any relevant affidavits, preparation and appearance in Court to argue for bail.
For courts outside of the Gold Coast a small travelling fee applies.
CAPPED costs
For many defended hearings in the Magistrates Court we can offer a capped fee. This is a fee where we give you an (affordable) quote for an upper limit so that you know the cost will not exceed your budget. The capped fee will depend on the type, complexity, and time involved in your matter and will be discussed with you prior to you engaging us to act for you.
STAGED costs
In many criminal cases it is impossible from the outset to anticipate every twist and turn that will arise as the matter progresses. While we will carefully and wisely guide and advise you along every step of the way, the final decisions will be yours. In matters such as this, we will provide you with a quote for each stage of the process. In this way, we are able to advise you of the costs involved on each pathway you may choose to take before you decide to take it.
TIME BASED costs
For more complex matters (particularly those going to trial in the District or Supreme Court) fees are charged on an hourly rate. When we agree to use this cost framework, we will provide you with a comprehensive and itemised account of each unit of our time and exactly what it was used for in advancing your case.
Our firm policy is to minimise your costs wherever possible and avoid any unnecessary expenses. To discuss your case and the fee option that works best for you, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to sit down and talk.