Police Station Representation

When you arrive at a police station following arrest, you will be booked in by the custody sergeant, who will inform you of your rights. You have the right to speak to a solicitor in private before the police interview begins. The police must not start the interview until you have had that opportunity. Our solicitors will attend the police station, advise you in private before the interview, monitor the conduct of the interview, and ensure that your rights are fully protected throughout.

• Private consultation with your solicitor before the interview
• Advice on whether to answer questions, give a prepared statement or exercise your right to silence
• Presence and representation throughout the police interview under caution
• Challenging unlawful arrest or detention
• Representations for release without charge or on bail
• Advice on voluntary interviews under caution
• Representation at reviews of detention

One of the most important decisions you face at the police station is whether to answer the officer's questions, provide a prepared statement or exercise your right to silence. There is no universally correct answer — the right approach depends entirely on the specific facts of your case, the strength of the evidence against you, and the nature of the offence under investigation. Our solicitors will advise you carefully on the best course of action for your particular circumstances before any interview begins.

You may be contacted by the police and asked to attend the police station voluntarily for an interview under caution. Although you are technically free to leave at any time during a voluntary interview, anything you say can be used in evidence against you, and the consequences of attending an interview unrepresented can be just as serious as if you had been arrested. Always seek legal advice before attending any voluntary interview.