Terms and Conditions for Not Guilty®

Effective Date: January 10, 2025

Last Updated: January 10, 2025

1. Agreement to Terms

By accessing and using the Not Guilty® mobile applications ("Apps") and related services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions ("Terms"). If you disagree with any part of these terms, you may not access our services.

Scope: These Terms apply to both Not Guilty® mobile applications:

NG Lawyer - For legal professionals (lawyers, barristers, legal consultants)
Not Guilty® - For individuals seeking legal services

2. Description of Services

Not Guilty® is a legal services platform that connects individuals seeking legal assistance with qualified legal professionals. Our services include:

2.1 For Legal Professionals (NG Lawyer App):

Professional profile creation and management
Service area and availability management
Client request processing and matching
Professional qualification verification
Service scheduling and communication tools
Professional development resources

2.2 For General Public (Not Guilty App):

Legal service request creation and submission
Professional matching and selection
Case information management
Legal consultation booking
Document management and storage
Legal aid and regulatory compliance assistance

2.3 For Both App Types:

Dynamic questionnaire-based case assessment
Service request processing and validation
Case management and communication tools
Platform security and data protection

3. User Accounts

3.1 Account Creation

To access certain features, you must create an account. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration.

Legal Professionals: Must provide valid professional credentials and qualifications

General Public: Must provide accurate personal and case information

3.2 Account Responsibilities

You are responsible for:

Maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials
All activities that occur under your account
Notifying us immediately of any unauthorised use
Ensuring all provided information remains accurate and current

4. Acceptable Use

You agree to use our services only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms. You agree not to:

Violate any applicable laws or regulations
Infringe on the rights of others
Use the service for unauthorised legal advice
Attempt to gain unauthorised access to our systems
Interfere with the proper functioning of the service
Misrepresent professional qualifications or credentials
Use the platform for illegal or fraudulent purposes

5. Legal Services Disclaimer

CRITICAL DISCLAIMER: NO LAWYER-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP

Important: Using our platform does NOT create a lawyer-client relationship between you and Not Guilty. We are a technology platform that facilitates connections between users and legal professionals.

Legal professionals on our platform are independent practitioners. We do not:

Provide legal advice
Guarantee the quality of legal services
Control the legal advice given by professionals
Assume responsibility for legal outcomes
Guarantee successful case outcomes

Always consult with qualified legal professionals for specific legal advice.

6. Dynamic Questionnaire and Data Collection

6.1 Service-Specific Questionnaires

Our platform uses dynamic questionnaires based on the specific legal service type you select. These questionnaires collect information necessary for:

Service request validation and matching
Case assessment and preparation
Professional qualification verification
Compliance with legal aid and regulatory requirements

6.2 Data Minimization and Privacy Protection

IMPORTANT: Our platform implements strict data minimization policies:

Financial Information:

We collect ONLY financial categories and ranges (e.g., "£20,000 - £30,000")
We do NOT collect specific financial amounts, account details, or precise financial figures
This protects your financial privacy while enabling service provision

Child Information:

We collect ONLY age groups and categories (e.g., "Child 6-12 years")
We do NOT collect specific child names, dates of birth, or detailed personal information
This protects children's privacy while enabling legal case assessment

Health and Medical Information:

We collect ONLY health categories and assessment status (e.g., "Assessment completed")
We do NOT collect detailed medical diagnoses, symptoms, or treatment information
This protects your medical privacy while enabling case evaluation

Personal Communication:

We collect ONLY communication preferences and categories
We do NOT collect specific message content, emails, or private communications
This protects your communication privacy while enabling service coordination

By completing these questionnaires, you:

Consent to the collection and processing of your data under UK GDPR
Acknowledge that this data will be analysed by our lawyer and admin team
Understand that the data is used for service validation and assistance
Agree to provide accurate and complete information
Consent to sharing relevant information with matched legal professionals

6.4 Content Warning and Acknowledgment System

For sensitive legal matters, our platform includes mandatory content warnings:

Domestic Violence and Abuse Cases:

Mandatory acknowledgment of sensitive content nature
Clear warnings about case sensitivity
Links to support organisations and helplines
User must actively consent before proceeding

Trafficking and Modern Slavery Cases:

Mandatory acknowledgment of extremely sensitive topics
Clear warnings about case complexity
Links to specialised support organisations
User must actively consent before proceeding

Mental Health and Capacity Cases:

Mandatory acknowledgment of sensitive health topics
Clear warnings about mental health considerations
Links to mental health support organisations
User must actively consent before proceeding

Criminal and Legal Proceedings:

Mandatory acknowledgment of legal content nature
Clear warnings about legal process complexity
Links to legal aid and support resources
User must actively consent before proceeding

All content warnings require active checkbox acknowledgment before users can proceed with sensitive forms.

6.5 Data Retention

Questionnaire data is retained for service validation purposes and may be kept longer for legal compliance and professional record-keeping requirements.

When you request legal services, relevant information is shared with matched legal professionals to enable service provision. This may include:

Case details and legal matter specifics
Personal information relevant to your case
Documentation and evidence you provide
Communication preferences and history

Legal professionals share information with potential clients including:

Professional qualifications and credentials
Practice areas and specializations
Service availability and scheduling
Geographic service areas
Professional experience and background

All information sharing requires explicit consent and is limited to what's necessary for service provision. You maintain control over your information and can request modifications or removal.

8. Privacy and Data Protection

Your privacy is important to us. Our collection and use of personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.

Key Privacy Protections:

Data Minimization: We collect only necessary information in structured categories
Consent Mechanisms: All data collection requires explicit consent
Content Warnings: Mandatory acknowledgments for sensitive content
Support Resources: Direct links to relevant support organisations
Professional Standards: Legal industry best practices for data handling

9. Intellectual Property

9.1 Our Rights

The Apps and their original content, features, and functionality are owned by Not Guilty App Ltd and are protected by international copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

Registered Trademark Protection:

Not Guilty® is a registered trademark of Not Guilty App Ltd
All trademark rights are reserved and protected under UK and international trademark law
Unauthorized use of our registered trademarks is strictly prohibited
Our trademark registration provides comprehensive legal protection for our brand assets

9.2 Your Rights

You retain ownership of any content you submit, but grant us a license to use it for service provision and platform improvement.

9.3 Professional Content

Legal professionals retain rights to their professional content while granting us license to display it for service matching purposes.

10. Third-Party Services

Our platform integrates with various third-party services including:

Custom authentication system for secure user management
Firebase for analytics and crash reporting
Google Places API for location services
AWS infrastructure for data storage and processing

These services have their own terms and privacy policies.

11. Payment and Billing

11.1 In-App Subscriptions (NG Lawyer App)

The NG Lawyer app offers auto-renewable subscriptions for legal professionals to access premium features. By subscribing, you agree to the following terms:

Subscription Processing:

All subscriptions are processed through Apple App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android)
Payment is charged to your Apple ID or Google Play account at confirmation of purchase
We do NOT collect, store, or process your payment card details
All payment information is handled securely by Apple or Google

Subscription Management:

Subscriptions automatically renew unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period
Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period
Subscription fees are charged at the rate displayed at the time of purchase
You can manage and cancel subscriptions through your Apple App Store or Google Play Store account settings

Cancellation:

You may cancel your subscription at any time through your Apple or Google account settings
Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period
No refunds are provided for partial subscription periods
You will retain access to premium features until the end of the paid period

Subscription Tiers and Features:

Different subscription tiers may offer different features and benefits
Features and pricing are subject to change with notice
Changes to subscription terms will be communicated through the app

Refunds:

Refund requests must be submitted directly to Apple or Google, as they process all payments
Not Guilty does not control refund decisions for in-app purchases
Apple and Google refund policies apply
See our Refund Policy for more information

Privacy and Data:

We collect subscription status information to enable premium features
We do NOT receive your payment card details or billing information
See our Privacy Policy for details on subscription data collection

Legal Compliance:

By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
Links to these documents are provided in the subscription screen
For questions about subscriptions, contact legal@notguiltyapp.co.uk

11.2 Professional Service Payments (Future Implementation)

Direct payment features for legal services between clients and professionals are not currently implemented. When added, additional terms will apply.

12. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Not Guilty shall not be liable for:

Any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages
Loss of profits, data, or business opportunities
Damages resulting from the use of legal services
Any legal outcomes or advice provided by professionals on our platform
Professional misconduct or negligence by legal professionals
Case outcomes or legal advice quality

13. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Not Guilty from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your use of our services or violation of these Terms.

14. Termination

14.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your account at any time by contacting us.

Account Deletion Feature:

Important: You can delete your account through multiple methods.

Method 1: In-App Account Deletion (Immediate)

Access Settings: Go to your profile settings within the app

Delete Option: Select "Delete Account" or "Delete Data" option

Confirmation: Confirm your deletion request with a final confirmation dialog

Immediate Effect: Your account will be permanently deleted immediately

Method 2: External Account Deletion Request (Team Processed)

Website Request: Visit https://notguiltyapp.co.uk/#/delete-account

Submit Request: Fill out the account deletion request form

Team Review: Our team will review and process your request

Verification: You will be contacted for identity verification and confirmation

Processing Time: Account deletion processed within 30 days of verification

What Happens When You Delete Your Account:

Account Removal: Your account is permanently removed from our platform
Data Erasure: All your personal data, case information, and uploaded documents are permanently deleted
Service Access: You will immediately lose access to all our services
Professional Connections: Any ongoing legal service matches or consultations will be terminated
Documentation: All case files, legal documents, and communication history will be permanently deleted

Data Retention After Deletion:

User Data: All personal and case-related data is permanently deleted
Legal Obligations: Some data may be retained if required by law or ongoing legal proceedings
Professional Records: Legal professional verification records may be retained for regulatory compliance
Security Audits: Minimal audit information may be retained for security and compliance purposes

Recovery and Consequences:

Permanent Action: Account deletion is irreversible and cannot be undone
Data Loss: All previous data, case information, and legal service history will be permanently lost
New Account: You can create a new account if you wish to use our services again
Service Impact: You will need to re-establish all professional connections and case information

Alternative Termination Methods:

Website Request: Use https://notguiltyapp.co.uk/#/delete-account for external deletion requests
Email Request: Contact us at legal@notguiltyapp.co.uk for assistance
Response Time: In-app deletion is immediate; external requests processed within 30 days
Verification: External requests require identity verification for security purposes

14.2 Termination by Us

We may terminate or suspend your account if you violate these Terms.

Grounds for Termination:

Violation of these Terms and Conditions
Misuse of our services or platform
Fraudulent or illegal activities
Harassment or abuse of other users
Violation of applicable laws or regulations
Non-payment of applicable fees (when implemented)

Termination Process:

Notice: We will provide reasonable notice before termination (except for serious violations)
Opportunity to Appeal: You may have the opportunity to appeal termination decisions
Data Handling: Your data will be handled according to our data retention policies
Service Access: Access to our services will be immediately suspended

14.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination, your right to use our services ceases immediately.

Immediate Effects:

Service Access: All platform access is immediately suspended
Data Access: You can no longer access your account or data
Professional Connections: All ongoing legal service relationships are terminated
Documentation: Access to case files and legal documents is revoked

Post-Termination:

Data Retention: Data retention follows our privacy policy and legal obligations
Professional Records: Legal professional verification records may be retained for compliance
Audit Trails: Security and compliance audit information may be retained
Legal Requirements: Some data may be retained if required by law or ongoing proceedings

15. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales, without regard to conflict of law principles.

16. Dispute Resolution

16.1 Informal Resolution

We encourage informal resolution of disputes through direct communication.

16.2 Formal Resolution

Any disputes not resolved informally shall be resolved through binding arbitration or in the courts of England and Wales.

17. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify users of significant changes through the Apps or email.

18. Data Protection and ICO Registration

18.1 ICO Registration

Not Guilty is officially registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)

ICO Registration Details:

Registration Number: ZB971336
Data Controller: Not Guilty
Registration Status: Active and Compliant
Verification: https://ico.org.uk/ESD/search

18.2 Data Protection Compliance

Our data processing activities are subject to ICO oversight and UK data protection law. Users have additional rights and protections under this official registration.

19. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms, contact us at:

Not Guilty App Ltd

Email: legal@notguiltyapp.co.uk

Address: Bedford - MK42 7RP, United Kingdom (GB)

ICO Registration: ZB971336

Data Protection Officer