The different types of criminal legal assistance
The following sections look at the various types of legal aid for criminal matters:
automatic Criminal Legal Aid- available automatically (without any means or merits tests) in certain circumstances
advice at the police station
criminal Advice and Assistance - available for advice, but not representation in court, on criminal issues
criminal Assistance By Way of Representation (ABWOR) - allows for representation by a solicitor in certain circumstances, in particular where the accused pleads guilty in summary proceedings
Criminal Legal Aid - for representation by a solicitor where the accused is charged under solemn procedure, or pleads not guilty in summary criminal proceedings.