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Strategic Case Assessment Program
The Strategic Case Assessment Program (SCAP) is designed to help LSS better predict costs in long trials, efficiently allocate legal aid funding, and provide adequate resources to represent clients in serious criminal cases.
SCAP applies to all criminal cases where the preliminary hearing or trial is scheduled to last more than 20 half days. Counsel in these cases are asked to contact the Manager, Legal Services, in advance to arrange a SCAP budget.
Counsel may also request entry into the SCAP process in cases that are complex and scheduled to last less than 20 half days when the anticipated general preparation time is more than 75 hours. A SCAP budget includes general preparation time, daily preparation time during trial, and actual court time. Counsel are paid at the hourly tariff rate. The budget created by SCAP can be revised if there are unanticipated changes in the duration or complexity of the case.
To initiate the budget process, submit a completed SCAP Case Management Questionnaire. Fill it out online and print a copy, or print a blank copy and fill it out by hand. It cannot be saved or sent by e-mail. If you need more room than is provided on the form, please attach additional sheets.
For help with billing SCAP cases, please review the SCAP billing tips. See also: Sample completed billing form.
For more information, please contact us by e-mail.