Post:
Location: England / London
I need advice on what type of solicitor I should contact: motoring, criminal defence, police complaint/civil action against police, or one firm that handles all.
Brief facts:
- I was stopped by plain-clothes/undercover police on 1 June 2026.
- The stop happened near/in front of a speed camera. The officer said I was speeding, but I am sure I was not speeding and no speed reading, camera evidence or measurement was shown to me.
- I told officers I am a Blue Badge holder and have PTSD/anxiety, but I felt ignored, pressured and not listened to.
- The officer then said my insurance was not valid due to minor cosmetic items on my car.
- My car was seized and I paid around £218 to recover it.
- I received a no-insurance fixed penalty, but my insurer has now confirmed my policy was active at the time and not voided/cancelled/avoided retrospectively. I have disputed this.
- I also received a £100 number plate fixed penalty, which I dispute.
- Officers alleged tobacco/cigarette ash in my ashtray was cannabis. I disputed this and was told I was not being charged with possession.
- I refused a blood sample after panicking. I have PTSD/anxiety and fear around needles/blood being taken. I have contacted my GP and have an appointment booked.
- I was detained for about 12 hours and only given one meal.
- I asked for legal advice but say it was not provided before important decisions were made.
- I was not interviewed.
- Around 6am, someone came to my cell and I say they pressured me about accepting the alleged cannabis. I did not feel I had proper legal advice at that point.
- I believe I was treated differently and the situation was escalated because of race/disability. I want to make a formal police complaint.
What records should I request now: custody record, body-worn video, stop/search record, seizure paperwork, officer notes, drug-testing paperwork and any document they say I signed?
What type of solicitor should I contact for this?
