Police Station Representation
It’s important not to neglect your legal right to have a solicitor attend the police station with you. Whether you’re detained or attending voluntarily for an interview, it’s important you have a solicitor with you.
Our team is available 24 hours a day and can be by your side representing you and your case.
It’s so important not to neglect your legal right to have a solicitor attend the police station with you. Contacting us as soon as you become aware of a police investigation increases the opportunity to resolve the matter quickly and discreetly.
An interview at a police station is a stressful and worrying experience and it is essential that you are aware of your rights. Those who have the benefit of legal advice are in a better position to make the right decision about how to answer questions, if at all.
Those that have a lawyer are much less likely to be taken advantage of, without one present you’re at a disadvantage if your case goes to court. Having us there is so important as we can protect you and further your rights.
What happens at the police station can dictate how well you are able to defend the case later if it develops. It also means you have a better chance of bringing the investigation to a conclusion sooner rather than later.
Our criminal team is available for contact 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year.
You have a right to silence if you’re facing accusations of committing a crime. You’re within your rights to wait for legal representation before answering any police questions.
It’s your entitlement to ask for a solicitor. Asking for one is not an admission of guilt.
If you’re arrested, you will be read a caution which your solicitor can explain to you. It essentially explains that you can refuse to answer questions. However, it may harm your defence which you may rely on in court and anything you do say can be used as evidence. Furthermore, you have the right to tell someone of your arrest, see a copy of the Codes of Practice under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, see a medical professional free of charge if you feel unwell and have access to a solicitor (your solicitor or a duty solicitor).
The police must inform you of your rights to having a solicitor represent you during an interview at the station. You can ask for the police station’s duty solicitor who is available 24 hours a day. Additionally, you could get the police to contact the Defence Solicitor Call Centre or your own solicitor. If your offence is less serious you can have legal advice over the phone. It’s important to exercise your right to representation as soon as possible so that you can be best advised on what you should or should not say in the interview.
This is completely dependent on the reasons for arrest. The police can arrest you and keep you in custody for 24 hours. Additionally, they can extend that by a further 12 hours depending on the circumstances. However, if they want to keep you beyond 36 hours they have to apply to the Magistrates Court for a warrant of further detention.
We can promptly speak to the arresting officers to find out details of the reason for your arrest. We will also seek disclosure to see what evidence they have against you. In addition, we can have a private consultation with you and discuss a strategy on how best to move forward in relation to the strength of their evidence against you. This includes our expert interview procedure advice. We may believe it’s in your best interests to decline to answer any questions until more information is available. Alternatively, we may suggest producing a written statement of your case is the best way forward. Most importantly we will protect your rights and ensure your interview is conducted fairly.
Michael Horne and Abby Washbourne, who are featured in this video, will be working with you on your case. If you would like to make an enquiry, please call the office.