UK Criminal Defence Glossary
Clear definitions of terms used in police station attendance notes, PACE custody work, and legal aid billing — written for solicitors and accredited representatives in England and Wales.
These glossary entries explain professional vocabulary in context — not as legal advice. Each term links to a fuller page with FAQs and related guides. For workflow articles, see the blog or scenario guides.
What Is an Attendance Note?
The contemporaneous record of a solicitor's work during a client attendance — definition, purpose, and what to include.
What Is a Custody Record?
The police record of detention under PACE — how it differs from your attendance note and what to cross-check.
What Is a PACE Interview?
Formal interview under caution in custody — timing, caution, breaks, and the representative's role.
What Is Voluntary Attendance?
Attending a police station without arrest — section 29 voluntary interview and how note-taking differs.
What Is a Legal Aid Attendance Note?
Attendance notes that support LAA billing claims — fields assessors expect and common rejection reasons.
What Is a Police Station Representative?
Accredited reps who attend on behalf of firms — role, accreditation, and record-keeping expectations.
What Is a Duty Solicitor?
Rota solicitors covering police station call-outs — how duty work differs from own-client attendances.
What Is Disclosure in a Police Interview?
Initial and further disclosure before interview — what to record and how it shapes advice.
What Is a No Comment Interview?
When the client answers no comment — adverse inference, what your note must show, and PACE safeguards.
Time Recording for Legal Aid
Six-minute units, activity breakdown, and why time records must match your attendance narrative.