The Crown Prosecution Service?s ambitious plan to go paperless by April could be in peril following a refusal by defence firms to engage with it.

In a letter to the Director of Public Prosecutions, the 30 largest criminal firms, accounting for over 10% of the criminal legal aid budget, this week gave notice that they will not take part in the scheme until concerns over costs and workability have been addressed. ?We have drawn the line,? one signatory said.

The Law Society has also written to the CPS, asking for action to resolve issues raised by defence solicitors.

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