Legal aid involves representation by a solicitor in court, in addition to preparing work for the trial. The Legal Aid Board provides legal aid to individuals provided that their income is below a certain limit and that there is merit in the case. If you have a partner their income will be taken into account in assessing whether you qualify, but you should note that if you are responsible for the upkeep of your partner or your children this will be taken into account.

If legal aid is granted you do not have to pay any contribution during the case but at the end of the case, if you are convicted of any offence, the court can order you to pay a sum of money towards the prosecution costs.