Crime news: updated guide for criminal legal aid applications
Changes to guide builds on feedback from providers.
Updated guidance on submitting criminal legal aid applications - including with the CRM14 eForm - is now available.
The ‘Criminal Legal Aid processing changes’ guidance document covers both eForm and paper applications. It has been updated and revised to reflect the experiences of providers using the eForm.
The guide includes:
- hints and tips on submitting online CRM14 applications
- full details of 4G mi-fi networks
- how to make use of the Interests of Justice email facility
Availability of eForms
The CRM14 eForm is now available to all providers across England and Wales with the exception of Cumbria, Greater Manchester and Lancashire. These regions will be able to use the CRM14 eForm when this work is transferred to the Legal Aid Agency (LAA) in June 2015.
You can find out when different areas are transferring by visiting our crime eForm page on GOV.UK – see link below.
Benefits to online criminal legal aid applications include:
- applications received and acknowledged automatically
- electronic ‘date stamp’ for backdating applications
- fewer rejected applications
- Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) benefit check– an instant indication of client eligibility
- no paper or postage costs
- electronic notifications on your application so you can track its progress
- secure transfer of case and client information
Our ‘Changes to Criminal Legal Aid processing’ guide tells you:
- how to go about getting access to the eForms portal
- what user roles you need to be set up with
- which eForms to use to make an application
- how to register for online eForms training
The guide also contains information on all you need to know on submitting applications directly to the LAA instead of HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS).
Further information
Legal aid: crime eForm – to download:
- ‘criminal legal aid processing faq’ document
- ‘CRM14 eForm court list’ – showing what work is processed where