Crime news: mandatory to use CRM14 eForms for all applications
CRM14 eForm mandatory for criminal legal applications from 4 July 2016.
We are no longer able to accept new applications for criminal legal aid on CRM14 paper forms.
In future, all applications must be made on the CRM14 eForm, which has already proved popular with most providers.
The success of the eForm is illustrated by the fact that more than 90% of applications were being made online before it became mandatory to do so.
You should note the final dates for which ‘in progress’ paper applications can be submitted – see below.
Last paper applications: magistrates
Applications will be accepted on paper if they are:
- date stamped by the court or signed by clients on or before 3 July 2016
- at the Legal Aid Agency (LAA) within 1 month i.e. by 5 August 2016
Last paper applications: Crown Court
Application will be accepted on paper providing they are:
- signed by clients on or before 3 July 2016
- received at LAA within 1 month i.e. by 5 August 2016
Modernisation programme
The CRM14 eForm is part of a programme of work which has overseen the complete transformation and modernisation of the criminal legal aid applications process in the space of 24 months.
The LAA’s head of crime case management Daniel Flury said: “Mandating the CRM14 eForm is the last act of what has been a tremendously successful programme of work to comprehensively modernise the criminal legal aid application process.”
Online provider training
A final free online training session will be taking place on 7 July 2016.
Further information
Legal aid: crime eForm – guidance and information including training video links and FAQs
Eventbrite online training – to book a training session