Last updated: 05.02.23
The support detailed below is available to XR rebels with charges relating to an arrest at an XR action (or sister action). The below information is for rebels with Magistrates Court cases. Support for Crown Court cases differ so please get in touch directly on legalfinancialsupport@riseup.net
It is important to note that none of the below models are intended to cover all the costs associated with your legal case, each are viewed as a contribution to support XR defendants. Information about court finances can be found here: https://informeddissent.info/court-finances
Access to Justice
Access to Justice support is available from a selection of pre-approved protest experienced solicitor firms across the UK. The support typically includes: pre first hearing review of your case, obtaining and reviewing of the prosecution evidence (eg the body worn video), advice on potential defences and the potential financial and legal consequences and their implications. This support will help you make your plea decision. If your Access to Justice solicitor thinks you have a strong technical defence they may suggest that XR funds your defence in full.
This scheme covers cases where legal aid is not available. Your solicitor will assess your eligibility for legal aid as part of the Access to Justice support
How to apply
Following your arrest, make sure you notify XR Arrestee and Legal Support. This can be done either through the https://arrestwatch.info/pss page, or by emailing xr-arrestwelfare@protonmail.com. This first step is essential to ensure you receive financial support. Please keep Arrest Welfare updated on the status of your case, for instance if the police advise they are taking no further action, or if you have been charged, so that relevant information and support can be provided.
Please email legalfinancialsupport@riseup.net with details of your case, including: date and location of arrest, charge, date and location of first hearing
The Legal Funds team will respond with full details of the Access to Justice scheme, and a list of solicitors included within the scheme. You will contact the solicitors of your choice and they will provide you with the support as detailed above. XR will pay the solicitors legal fees directly, unless your case is dropped or you are found not guilty, in which case you will be able to get these costs reimbursed from the court.
Retrospective financial support
Once your case has concluded, you may be able to apply for financial support to help with your legal costs. Applications are not means tested but will depend on the funds available at the time, applications will be reviewed once every three months. This application will be open to XR defendants whose cases have concluded and require some financial support for costs associated with their criminal legal case. The fund will not be able to reimburse costs in full but will aim to provide a contribution towards these costs. The amount of contribution you receive will depend on the number of applications and the status of the fund at the time. PLEASE NOTE: if you are only claiming travel expenses do not use this form. Your application will be processed more quickly using the form in the "Travel expenses" section below
You have 12 months to apply from the date of your conviction / conclusion of your case so please don’t delay in applying.
How to apply
Please apply within 12 months once your case has concluded on the following link: https://form.jotform.com/Legalfund/2022-legal-defence-fund-application Please make a note of the next review deadline at the top of the form, so you know when you can expect to hear back from the legal fund.
To ensure you are eligible for support you must be on our records, so please make sure you have contacted Arrest Welfare with the details of your case once you are charged, by emailing xr-arrestwelfare@protonmail.com
If you require urgent financial support due to hardship please email the team on legalfinancialsupport@riseup.net
Travel expenses
For information on claiming court travel expenses, please see here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UrCFxL5FezN4OVRY09Tw96VXSSWSdBlrERZbikwmmFA/edit?usp=sharing
Please note - funding is limited and dependent on continued support and donations to our XR UK central legal defence fund. Action should never be taken with the assumption and expectation of financial support.