This petition was submitted during the 2010-2015 parliament
Petition Entitle anyone charged with a criminal offence to unlimited legal aid right up until conviction and appeal (if applicable)
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If someone is charged with an offence, they should be granted full legal aid, regardless of circimstances, wealth or poverty. This is because it is the CPS, and not the defendant, that has decided to press charges at the cost of the taxpayer. The defendant has no choice whatsoever so he/she should not have to foot the bill for his/her defence, appeal and any other costs. This will also help to discourage vexatious or pointless convictions that are not in the public interest where a community sentence or caution would suffice.
This petition is closed This petition ran for 12 months
2 signatures
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