Armed Forces
At Hill Twine Solicitors & Barristers we are experienced in representing Service personnel. Our highly-skilled team of Armed Forces and military law experts in our Criminal Law Department can advise you on offences and proceedings in both the civilian criminal courts and in Courts Martial matters. We can represent you in civilian police and military police interviews, at proceedings in the civilian courts (magistrates’ court, Crown Court, and Appeal Courts), Courts Martial, disciplinary proceedings, Service Inquiries, and in Coroner’s Court Inquests.
We understand the complexities and sensitivities of representing Armed Forces personnel facing investigation and court proceedings. We have dealt with high profile cases and are experienced at dealing with disclosure issues, having worked on many highly sensitive cases subject to the Official Secrets Act .
As specialist Criminal Defence lawyers, Hill Twine Solicitors & Barristers has the expertise to represent you in all Armed Forces criminal law matters, disciplinary proceedings, and Service Inquiries. We are passionate about protecting you and your career.
We Can Help You With:
- Civilian Police Interviews
- Military Police Interviews by the Royal Military Police (RMP or Special Investigations Branch (SIB))
- Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court proceedings
- Courts Martial
- Service Inquiries
- Disciplinary and Employment Issues
- Coroner’s Inquests
- Health and Safety (HSE) Investigations and Prosecution
How We Can Represent You
Criminal Matters – Service Investigation/Prosecution
For both police investigations and court proceedings we can obtain legal aid and represent you without any cost to you, subject to your eligibility.
If you are arrested or invited for an interview under caution by the military police, you have the right to be represented by a solicitor of your choice.
We strongly advise that you are always legally represented, this is extremely important no matter whether you believe yourself to be innocent or not. You should contact us immediately to arrange for a solicitor to attend.
If you have been charged with a criminal offence and are being prosecuted in the Courts Martial it is essential that you are represented by our specialist solicitors and barristers: Kevin Hill is our lead specialist in Armed Forces work. Both he and the firm are experienced in dealing with the most sensitive and confidential investigations subject to the Official Secrets Act and have represented Armed Forces personnel across the rank spectrum.
Criminal Matters – Civilian Investigation/Prosecution
If you are arrested or invited for an interview under caution by the civilian police, you have the right to be represented by a solicitor of your choice. We strongly advise that you are always legally represented and, as holders of a Government legal aid contract, we can represent you for free. You should contact us immediately to arrange for a solicitor to attend.
If you have been charged with a criminal offence and have a hearing at the magistrates’ court or Crown Court it is important for you to be represented by lawyers specialising in Criminal Defence. Click here to learn more about our civilian criminal defence work.
Coroner’s Court Proceedings
If you have been notified that you are Interested Person in Coroner’s Court proceedings, you have the right to be represented. We specialise in representing Armed Forces personnel in Coroner’s Inquests. We understand the potential impact on your career and the importance of protecting your rights.
Service Inquiries
We can represent you if you are an affected person in a Service Inquiry. You have the right to be represented if you have been notified that you are an affected person under the Armed Forces (Service Inquiries) Regulations 2008. We have experience in representing personnel facing Service Inquiries in relation to serious matters including deaths in service.
Our criminal defence lawyers can also represent you should there be a related investigation by the HSE.
Funding
Legal Aid
We can always represent free of charge for interviews under caution by the civilian or military police. We can also represent you for free in any further proceedings, subject to your eligibility for legal aid. Whether it is civilian or Armed Forces legal aid, we can advise you on whether you are likely to qualify for funding and will make an application on your behalf . We are very experienced in working with the Legal Aid Agency and Armed Forces Legal Aid Agency to secure public funding to represent you.
Private Funding
We offer competitive rates and fixed fees if you are not eligible for legal aid. Contact us to discuss your options and we can provide you with a quotation.
If you have any questions or need advice