Crime news: CRM14 eForm mandatory from 4 July 2016
Paper forms can no longer be used for criminal legal aid applications after 4 July 2016.
CRM14 eForms will be mandatory for criminal legal applications from 4 July 2016 and support is available to help paper form users switch to online working – see below.
The success of the CRM14 eForm is shown by the fact that more than 90% of applications are already submitted online instead of using the paper alternative.
But for the relatively small number who have yet to make the switch it is important that you start learning about the online process now.
Last paper applications
The final date for which paper applications can be submitted for magistrates’ and Crown Court cases are as follows:
Magistrates’ court cases
Any application will be accepted on paper providing it is:
- date stamped by the court or signed by client on or before 3 July 2016
- received at the Legal Aid Agency (LAA) within 1 month i.e. by 5 August 2016
Crown Court cases
Any application will be accepted on paper providing it is:
- signed by client on or before 3 July 2016
- received at LAA within 1 month i.e. by 5 August 2016
What support is available?
- training videos – covering key steps to successfully submitting online applications
- quick user guides
- online Webex training sessions are being held in the lead up to 4 July 2016
- ‘frequently asked questions’ – refreshed and updated to reflect that the CRM14 eForm will be mandatory
See ‘further information’ below to access these resources on the ‘crime eForm’ page. There is also a booking link for training.
Future changes to the eForm
A number of improvements are being worked on. These include:
- introducing ability to submit applications which are not subject to the usual means/passported assessment e.g. Crown Court breaches
- interest of justice decisions will be visible in the portal on all completed applications
- date of birth for applicant partners will be optional where the partner is a victim, prosecution witness, or co-defendant with a conflict of interest
- questions regarding joint assets will be included where the partner is a victim, prosecution witness, or co-defendant with a conflict of interest
Evidence and other applications
The CRM14 Post Submission Evidence eForm and other applications associated with criminal legal aid will not be mandatory from 4 July 2016.
These include:
- interest of justice appeals
- withdrawal of legal aid
- adding offence to existing representation orders
However, it will benefit both providers and LAA if providers submit these applications electronically.
This will help you to gain further efficiencies from working electronically and enable us to turn around work faster.
Further information
Legal aid: crime eform – training videos, quick guides, frequently asked questions, supporting pro-formas, eForms court list and to download ‘applicant declaration form’
Webex training sessions – Eventbrite booking link