Criminal Defence File Review Checklist

A structured file review helps firms spot gaps before audit, complaint, or court. Use this checklist when reviewing police station attendance notes, for professional workflow, not as legal advice.

Disclaimer: Firms set their own supervision standards. This list doesn't guarantee audit or regulatory outcomes.

Attendance note completeness

• Client identity, attendance type, time on site, instructing firm.
• Custody reference / station / OIC where relevant.
• Disclosure summarised with substance, not boilerplate only.
• Client instructions recorded in the client's own words where possible.
• Advice given before and after interview (and at key decision points).
• Interview: topics, interventions, no-comment or answers approach.
• Outcome: NFA, charge, bail, RUI, with conditions and dates.
• Follow-up: firm notified, diaries, disclosure requests.

Billing and administration

• Time recording consistent with attendance.
• Fee type / claim reference if legal aid.
• Disbursements or travel if applicable.
• PDF or firm CMS upload completed.

Supervision points

• Vulnerable client / appropriate adult / language issues flagged.
• Conflict checks documented where required.
• Any PACE or custody welfare issues noted.

For common errors, see common attendance note mistakes. Custody Note helps you keep a consistent structure across these sections; it doesn't guarantee any audit or review result.