Crown Court Means Testing Debt Collection and Enforcement Reference

Description

The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) introduced Crown Court Means Testing (CCMT) in 2010. Previously defendants who were granted Legal Aid made no financial contribution except a very low percentage who were subject to a Recovery of Defence Cost Order (RDCO). Upon applying for Legal Aid defendants will be means tested to assess their ability to pay. The CCMT scheme will comprise of monthly income based contributions, from the defendant, either for the life of the court case or 6 months, whichever is the lesser. Defendants will also have the option of making a one-off payment to the value of five monthly contributions, or will be required to make five monthly payments if each one is paid on time. Any remaining balance will be recoverable once the case has concluded if the defendant has capital and/or equity above the threshold.