HELPING MEMBERS IN CRIMINAL CASES

LEGAL RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: may 2018 :: RMTnews 19 RMT solicitors Powell Spencer, working in conjunction with the union’s in-house team, help members on a wide range of matters from serious allegations of theft, fraud and assault as well as those engaged by the complex process of accident investigation and subsequent prosecution. In addition the in-house team advises and represents in a range of driving related offences and licensing matters where legal aid was unavailable to our members. Because members are in the front line they often face disgruntled customers who vent their anger upon our members often meaning that they then face prosecution and potential loss of their livelihood. RMT believes that members should be protected when our members seek advice and representation when they are to be investigated by police or other bodies such as the Office of Rail Regulator (ORR) who have the right to interview under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act caution. Representation is also provided at interviews being conducted by regulatory bodies such as Licensing Authorities who are investigating offences as this also can lead to prosecution at court. RMT has provided representation for all sectors of membership from rail and tube staff, bus and taxi drivers and maritime employees. Many of the cases have involved issues involving the public RMT members’ serve. It has represented many members at the police station, whether after arrest, or at interviews under caution when the member is ‘invited’ to attend voluntarily. It has attended with members subject to investigation by Licencing bodies, the ORR and Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB). It is important that the union is notified as early as possible and members must exercise their right to remain silent until they have had an opportunity to take advice. This applies especially when initially they are told this will be ‘an informal chat’ or that they are ‘helping with enquiries’. RMT ensures that being interviewed under caution or when being investigated in any circumstances should always be treated seriously. Members should not accept a caution from the police believing this is the quick and easy option. To accept a caution means that you are admitting that you have committed an offence and the fact of having a caution on your record is likely to affect your employment prospects and applying for entry to certain countries. All members assisted were likely to have been dismissed and have a criminal record making finding another job extremely difficult if not for the support given by this union. The union does not win every case but it is dedicated to providing the highest quality legal support to members. Whilst the union can’t provide financial support to family and friends our specialist team in Powell Spencer will assist them wherever possible in matters relating to criminal defence work. This includes free representation in police interviews unless other solicitors have had prior involvement with the matter. They will also always offer competitive rates should legal aid not be available and they wish to use our lawyers at court. HELPING MEMBERS IN CRIMINAL CASES For emergency, 24-hour criminal law advice call 075659118181 in England and Wales or 0800 328 1014 in Scotland