Very High Cost Cases – Certification
16. (1) Where a representative of an assisted person considers—
(a) that a case is likely to proceed to trial, and
(b) that owing to the circumstances of the case, if it proceeds to trial, that trial would be likely to exceed 25 days,
he may apply to the Commission for a Very High Cost Case Certificate.
(2) An application under paragraph (1) may be made by a representative on his own behalf or on behalf of himself and another representative of the assisted person.
(3) Subject to paragraph (4) and to rule 19, an application under paragraph (1) shall be made within 14 days after the assisted person has been committed for trial, and shall be submitted to the Commission in such form and manner as it may direct, and in accordance with such guidance as the Commission may from time to time issue.
(4) Where there has been a change in the assisted person’s representatives after the period stipulated in paragraph (3), subject to rule 19, an application by the new representative under paragraph (1) shall be made within 14 days of the transfer of the criminal aid certificate to the new solicitor or the instruction of the new advocate, as applicable.
rule. 16-16C substituted for (with application in accordance with rule 3(1) of the amending Rule) by The Legal Aid for Crown Court Proceedings (Costs) (Amendment) Rules (Northern Ireland) 2009 (S.R. 2009/267), rules. 1, 7 (with rule. 4)