Police Station Advice Is Always Free
Everyone questioned by the police is legally entitled to free legal advice under Legal Aid. This applies regardless of your income or savings, whether you are under arrest or attending voluntarily. You never have to pay for a solicitor at the police station.
Interviews Under Caution
Whether you have been formally arrested or asked to attend a voluntary interview, the police are interviewing you under caution. What you say—or choose not to say—forms the core of the evidence against you in court.
Police officers are trained to ask questions that lead to admissions. Having our criminal defence solicitors with you protects your position from the very start:
- We obtain police evidence first: Before any interview begins, we obtain initial disclosure from the officers so you are never caught off guard.
- Private consultation: We explain the allegations clearly and advise you on the legal strength of the evidence against you.
- Clear interview strategy: We guide you on whether to answer questions, submit a prepared statementor remain silent.
- Protection during questioning: We sit by your side in the interview room to prevent improper, leadingor unfair questions.
Voluntary Interviews
The police frequently invite suspects for a "voluntary chat" or interview under caution instead of making a formal arrest. Do not make the mistake of attending alone. A voluntary interview carries the exact same legal consequences as an interview under arrestand anything you say can be used to prosecute you.
You have the exact same right to free legal representation. Contact our team before attending so we can contact the officer, arrange a suitable interview timeand accompany you.
Stopping Charges Before Court
The period between your interview and a formal charging decision is critical. If you are released on bail or under investigation, our work does not stop.
We actively make written representations to the police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). By gathering defence evidence early, contacting key witnessesand pointing out weaknesses in the prosecution's case, we frequently persuade prosecutors that there is no realistic prospect of conviction, ending the investigation before court proceedings begin.
Challenging Bail Conditions
If you have been released on police bail with restrictive conditions—such as curfews, travel bansor contact restrictions—it can severely disrupt your everyday life and employment.
We routinely apply to senior custody officers and the Magistrates' Court to challenge, varyor completely remove unfair bail conditions.