With huge costs being charged to anyone who fails to prove their innocence in HMCS how interesting it is the sword is mainly sharpened on one side see below from Oct 12 Why dont HMRC amalgamate with the Court Service ? 27. The changes mean that legal costs (which are defined as fees, charges, disbursements and other amounts payable in respect of advocacy services or litigation services, including expert witness costs) cannot be included in a Defence Costs Order unless the defendant is an individual (eg not a company etc ) and is acquitted in the Magistrates Court or is successful on an appeal to the Crown Court. An acquitted corporate defendant cannot be awarded legal costs in the Magistrates Court or Crown Court and an individual only in the Magistrates Court or on appeal in the Crown Court. If costs are awarded they will be at legal aid rates.