The Court Martial was established as an official court that has jurisdiction over anyone affiliated with the military (the Army, the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force). If you are charged with a service offence and required to attend one of the Military Courts, our military lawyers can provide advice and representation throughout your case.

In addition, the Court Martial hears cases involving criminal offences alleged to have been committed by military personnel, as well as specific offences under the Armed Forces Act 2006. A very small number of cases involving military personnel will be heard in the civilian Crown Court, typically rape and murder allegations.

A Court Martial is similar to a civilian Crown Court. Instead of a Jury, the court generally consists of a Judge Advocate and between three and seven warrant officers and commissioned officers, depending on the seriousness of the offence that the court is hearing.

The range of offences dealt with in a Court Martial is incredibly broad. If a serving member of the military is accused of a criminal offence, they can be brought before the Court Martial and tried for that offence, irrespective of where in the world the alleged offence occurred. The sort of offences covered could include driving offences, fraud offences, sexual offences, assaults, and many other criminal offences.

The Court Martial has powers similar, although wider-ranging, to those of the Crown Court. The Court Martial deals with offences that can lead to terms of imprisonment at the Military Corrective Training Centre (MCTC) at Colchester. In addition, there are specific military punishments available to the Court Martial, such as dismissal from the service and reduction in rank. Prior to any court case, our military lawyers will advise you on the possible punishment that you might face and where necessary, mitigate on your behalf in order to reduce any sentence imposed and its impact upon you and your family.

We can offer expert advice from the outset to the conclusion of a case, from an interview with the Services Police to representing you at Court Martial hearings, to provide the best possible outcome.

If you are arrested by the Service Police or asked to attend a voluntary interview in connection with an alleged offence, you are entitled to have a solicitor present at your interview. This is irrespective of where you are serving in the world. Our military lawyers will be able to assist, regardless of your location. All service police interviews must be conducted in accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and our military lawyers will ensure that your interview is conducted properly, fairly and you are advised fully.

It may be that the Service Police contact you and ask you to attend an interview voluntarily. Your rights are the same and you must seek legal representation. We will usually be able to arrange with the Service Police for your interview to take place at a pre-arranged convenient time.

Once the investigation by the Service Police has concluded your case will be referred to the Service Prosecution Authority (SPA) who will make a recommendation to your commanding officer whether there is sufficient evidence to charge you with an offence and if so, how the case should be dealt with.

The investigation may result in prosecution for a criminal offence and you will be given a date for a preliminary court hearing. 

Less serious offences will be dealt with by either your Commanding Officer or Officer Commanding at a summary hearing. You are still entitled to be advised in relation to summary proceedings by a solicitor and we suggest that expert advice is sought to assist with the preparation of the case.

Should the matter proceed to Court Martial you are entitled to legal representation and should always seek expert legal representation to defend or mitigate your position. Our military lawyers are experienced at defending service personnel throughout Court Martial proceedings and will be able to advise you through the entire process. We will instruct an expert barrister to represent you at the Court Martial trial and any other hearings.

Legal aid is normally available through the Armed Forces Criminal Legal Aid Authority (AFCLAA). Criminal Legal Aid through the AFCLAA is available worldwide to members of the armed forces for all matters dealt with by the service courts. You can nominate a lawyer of your choice when you apply for legal aid. There is a possibility that you may be asked to make contributions, as part of the legal aid offer.

Should legal aid not be available to you or if you cannot afford to pay legal aid contributions, we will be able to discuss your options to fund your case on a private basis and are able to offer fixed or staged fees in most cases.