Everyone, regardless of income, has a right to free representation in a police station.
In a criminal case most people can be represented for free by a solicitor but there is a financial test. In civil cases public funding is tightly controlled and is subject to a financial test. If you have a low income or are receiving out of work benefits then you will most likely be eligible for public funding. A solicitor should be able to quickly tell you whether this is likely.
If you are not eligible for public funding then it is increasingly possible to find a solicitor who is willing to work on your case on a ‘no win no fee’ basis. Either way it should be possible to obtain free legal advice so always consider contacting a solicitor as soon as possible.
Remember there are often strict time limits for challenging the police/prosecution using the law so be sure to contact solicitors as soon as possible.
See Netpols Directory - www.netpol.org/solicitors
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