Crime news: submission of defendant’s costs order claims
Digital claim form DCO2 must now be used for all magistrates' claims over £2,000 and all Crown Court claims.
All DCO claims for dismissed defendants in the magistrates’ court over £2,000 and all DCO claims for dismissed defendants in the Crown Court must be made on digital claim form DCO2.
The digital form has been used successfully since 6 April 2018. It is now mandatory to use it.
Benefits
The DCO2 form:
- streamlines the billing process
- allows assessments to be completed with greater accuracy and efficiency
What you need to send
The electronic bundle must be sent for assessment in a single email containing three separate file attachments as follows:
Attachment 1 – DCO2 digital claim form
Attachment 2 – Copy of the DCO order
Attachment 3 – Copies of the following documents:
a. any correspondence with the defendant
b. attendance notes
c. invoices/receipts
d. expert reports
e. case summary/details of proceedings
f. advocate’s work log and fee note
Where to find the form
The DCO2 forms and accompanying guidance are listed under ‘How to claim back costs’ on this GOV.UK page:
Claims paid out of central funds
Submitting the form
You should send your claim form and electronic bundle to this email address: dco@justice.gov.uk