What does CDS mean in LAW & LEGAL

What is CDS?

The Criminal Defence Service (CDS) was set up in 2000 by the Government of the United Kingdom to help those accused of criminal offences access quality legal advice and representation. The service provides both publicly funded services as well as non-means tested services to those who require legal assistance but cannot afford it. This means that regardless of an individual’s financial situation or social circumstances, they are able to access quality legal advice and representation from qualified lawyers who have been specially trained in criminal defence matters.

Under the CDS scheme, individuals may be eligible for either full or partial funding for their defence lawyer expenses depending on their individual circumstances such as income level, nature of offence, levels of assets, etc. In addition to providing financially accessible legal advice and representation, the CDS also ensures that anyone accused has the right to fair trial by providing them with comprehensive support throughout the entire process. This includes outreach programmes that inform potential defendants of their rights as well as a specialist casework team that can provide additional guidance throughout proceedings if necessary.

How does CDS operate?

The operation of CDS involves three main stages: initial assessment and eligibility determination; instructions of Counsel; and aftercare services following conclusion of proceedings. During initial assessment & eligibility determination stage, prospective clients contact one of three organisations - Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), Law Centres Network (LCN) or a local law centre – whereupon they are assessed against criteria like financial status or social circumstances before being sent on to one of 80 accredited duty solicitors across 46 courts who can provide initial advice & representation free-of-charge through public funds allocated by Legal Aid Agency (LAA).

Following this stage, instructions are issued to qualified barristers or solicitors representing each client whose cases fall under the category allowed by LAA before proceeding further into court proceedings or documentation work associated with preparing a case file depending on each individual case’s requirements & complexity/duration needed for such processing work by appointed lawyers/summarisers/paralegals etc.. Finally upon completion & conclusion of any court proceediing involving defendant referred from any organisation associated with CDP programme e.g citizens advisory bureau et al.; aftercare services are provided if in rare cases such person faces further problems post hearing including clinical assessments given lack af direct support from charities/other sources deemed fit by Ministry Of Justice.