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Guidance

Legal aid: crime applications

Use the Apply for criminal legal aid service to apply for criminal legal aid online.

Updates to this page

From:
Legal Aid Agency
Published:
1 June 2014
Last updated:
3 February 2025
Show all updates

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

  2. Added information on the importance of providing the 'common platform' URN and how to obtain it.

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

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

  5. 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.

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

  7. Updated Application Declaration Form

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

  9. Updated FAQs published.

  10. Criminal legal aid processing changes faq updated.

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

  12. CRM14 eForm page information amended,

  13. Updated information on eForms rollout.

  14. First published.

Applies to England and Wales

The Apply for criminal legal aid service is mandatory for criminal legal aid applications.

When using the service, you also need to complete the Applicant declaration form (PDF, 980 KB, 6 pages) and keep a copy on file in case of audit.

It is also important that you provide the Unique Reference Number (URN) from the shared online system known as ‘common platform’ for the LAA to find the HMCTS record. Read further guidance on the URN and how to obtain it.

You can also submit the following applications electronically:

Post submission evidence

Evidence can be submitted via the Apply for criminal legal aid service. 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, 97.1 KB, 1 page) should be emailed to one of the following:

BirminghamCAT@justice.gov.uk

LiverpoolCAT@justice.gov.uk

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 one of the following:

BirminghamCAT@justice.gov.uk

LiverpoolCAT@justice.gov.uk

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. Download ‘Application by Person with Legal Aid to Change Solicitor’ from the Criminal procedure rules: forms page. Scroll down to ‘other proceedings’ (part 46 representatives).

Support and guidance

If you require support with the Apply for criminal legal aid service, call 0300 200 2020. Select option 3 for technical support or option 2 for operational support.

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

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