Guidance

Legal aid: crime eForm

Use the CRM14 eForm to apply for criminal legal aid online.

Applies to England and Wales

CRM14 eForm

The CRM14 eForm is mandatory for criminal legal aid applications.

When using the eForm, you also need to complete the Applicant declaration form (PDF, 452 KB, 6 pages) and keep a copy on file in case of audit.

You can use the CRM14 eForm offline if you are unable to connect to the internet. You should click on the ‘offline’ tab to complete the form, and then submit once you are able to access the internet again.

You can also submit the following applications electronically:

Post submission evidence eForm

Evidence can be submitted via the eForms (LAA Online) Portal. This allows you to attach and link evidence to your original application.

Interest of Justice appeals

Application to appeal grant of legal aid refused on interests of justice criteria (PDF, 139 KB, 1 page) should be emailed to iojappeals@justice.gov.uk and we will consider the appeal administratively within 2 working days.

Application to withdraw a representation order (PDF, 117 KB, 1 page) should be emailed to the CAT team that processed the application(BirminghamCAT@justice.gov.uk; LiverpoolCAT@justice.gov.uk or NottinghamCAT@justice.gov.uk)

Adding offences to existing representation orders

Application to add offences to an existing representation order (PDF, 125 KB, 1 page) should be emailed to the CAT team that processed the application(BirminghamCAT@justice.gov.uk; LiverpoolCAT@justice.gov.uk or NottinghamCAT@justice.gov.uk)

Transfer of solicitor applications

Applications to transfer should be sent to the relevant court. Decisions on the application will be made by the court and the LAA will be informed of the outcome. The LAA will then notify all parties and issue an amended representation order where necessary. Please go to Justice website: procedure rules to download ‘Application by Person with Legal Aid to Change Solicitor’ and scroll down to ‘other proceedings’ (part 46 representatives).

Eform access to common platform

We are introducing a new data field on crime eforms. This is in preparation for the integration of our IT systems with the HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) ‘common platform’ digital case management system.

You do not need to complete this data field yet, which asks for a unique reference number (URN). But further updates will be provided nearer the time.

What is the URN’s purpose?

The URN will be used by the Crown Prosecution Service and HMCTS to access criminal case files through a shared online system known as the ‘common platform’.

LAA systems are currently undergoing changes to integrate with the common platform. The URN will also become important for providers to use when making applications for legal aid and submitting claims to the LAA.

When do we start using the URN?

We are working with HMCTS on the timeframes. Once it becomes important to enter the reference numbers we will provide further detail on what it means and what you need to do.

Secure and user-friendly system

The common platform is designed so users can access and share case information in a secure and user-friendly way.

It will transform the handling of criminal cases for providers, the LAA and our justice partners and be used in both magistrates’ and Crown Court settings.

Support and guidance

Our eForms user guides are currently being updated – if you require technical support call our customer service team on 0300 200 2020.

You should refer to the Criminal Legal Aid Manual for general information about criminal legal aid.

Published 1 June 2014
Last updated 13 July 2022 + show all updates
  1. Published new version of the applicant declaration form with updated privacy notice.

  2. Published new version of the applicant declaration form with updated privacy notice.

  3. Published new version with updated privacy notice. These changes are part of our preparations for exiting the European Union once the transition period ends on 31 December 2020.

  4. Revisions include a new section about an eforms update to prepare for common platform rollout.

  5. Updated Application Declaration Form

  6. Guidance on changes to CRM14 from 20 March 2018 published.

  7. Updated FAQs published.

  8. Criminal legal aid processing changes faq updated.

  9. 'Guidance on changes to the CRM14 eForm (applications for Criminal Legal Aid) for providers' document added to page.

  10. CRM14 eForm page information amended,

  11. Updated information on eForms rollout.

  12. First published.