Can I transfer my police bail case or an ongoing police investigation to Ghafar Khan? Yes. At the police-station and pre-charge stage, you can ordinarily choose which solicitor you want to advise you. You do not normally need a court transfer application, the former solicitor’s consent or authority from the police. Contact Ghafar Khan before the next interview or bail-return date so the case can be considered and arrangements made.
Can I change solicitor while I am on police bail?
Yes. If you were represented by another solicitor at an earlier interview, that does not normally prevent you from asking Ghafar Khan to advise you when you answer bail, attend another interview or receive further contact from the investigating officer. At this stage there is usually no legal-aid representation order to transfer and no Crown Court application is required.
Your choice remains subject to ordinary professional requirements: Ghafar Khan must check for any conflict of interest, have sufficient information and availability, and agree that the instruction can properly be accepted. If accepted, tell the investigating officer or custody officer that you want Ghafar Khan contacted.
I used the duty solicitor before—can I now choose Ghafar Khan?
Yes. Using a duty solicitor during an earlier attendance does not normally tie you to that solicitor for the rest of the investigation. Police-station legal advice is free and independent, whether arranged through the duty scheme or through a requested solicitor who undertakes the relevant legal-aid work.
Do I need my former solicitor’s permission?
No formal consent is ordinarily required to choose another solicitor for later police-station advice before charge. The new solicitor may need relevant papers or information from the earlier attendance. Professional obligations, confidentiality and any potential conflict must still be addressed.
Do I need permission from the police?
No. The police do not select your solicitor. If you are detained or questioned at a police station, you can request legal advice and identify the solicitor you wish the police to contact. The police-station process and availability may affect timing, but asking for a particular solicitor is your choice.
Can Ghafar Khan take over an investigation before I am charged?
Yes, Ghafar Khan will consider taking over an ongoing criminal investigation before charge. This may include:
- returning to the police station on pre-charge bail;
- a further interview under caution;
- a voluntary police interview;
- an investigation while released under investigation;
- requests for a prepared statement or further information;
- representations concerning charging, bail conditions or retained property;
- serious allegations involving drugs, conspiracy, fraud, money laundering, violence, sexual offences or digital evidence.
What should I send before the next police appointment?
- Your full name and date of birth.
- The police force and station.
- The investigating officer and reference number, if known.
- The alleged offence.
- Your bail-return or interview date and time.
- The name of the previous solicitor.
- Your bail notice and any relevant police correspondence.
- A short explanation of why you want to change solicitor.
Contacting Ghafar Khan early allows time to check availability, request relevant information and prepare. Do not ignore a bail date or breach bail conditions while arrangements are being considered.
Natural questions about changing solicitor during a police investigation
Can I transfer my police case to Ghafar Khan?
Yes. Ghafar Khan will consider your police investigation or bail case. No court transfer application is normally required before charge. Call, WhatsApp or text 07500 556587.
Will Ghafar Khan take my police bail case on?
Ghafar Khan can consider taking the case, subject to conflict checks, availability and acceptance of the instruction. Send the police station, allegation and bail-return date for an urgent assessment.
Do I have to make a transfer application?
Normally, no—not where the matter remains at the police investigation stage and there is no court representation order. Formal transfer rules may apply later if another provider holds a legal-aid order for court proceedings.
Can I change solicitor before a second police interview?
Yes. Contact Ghafar Khan before the interview. If he accepts the instruction, ask the police to record that you want him contacted and do not agree to proceed without legal advice merely because a previous solicitor attended before.
I am released under investigation—can I change solicitor?
Yes. You can seek advice from another solicitor while the investigation remains open. Ghafar Khan can consider the available papers, communication with the police and the next appropriate steps.
What if I have now been charged and bailed to court?
Contact Ghafar Khan immediately with the charge sheet and hearing date. If no representation order exists, he can consider taking the case and advise on legal aid. If another provider already holds an order, a formal transfer may be necessary. Read Can I transfer my Crown Court case to Ghafar Khan?
Contact Ghafar Khan now
Ghafar Khan, Criminal Defence Solicitor and High Court Advocate
24/7 mobile: 07500 556587
WhatsApp: send a confidential message
SMS: text 07500 556587
Office: 03330 110 210
Email: notguilty@ghafarkhan.com
Acting throughout England and Wales · #CALLGFA
Related guidance: released on pre-charge bail, released under investigation, police-station representation and returning on police bail or attending court.
Official information
- GOV.UK: legal advice at the police station
- Home Office: rights and entitlements at the police station
- Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, section 58
General information for England and Wales only. Acceptance of instructions depends on conflict checks, availability and the circumstances. Obtain advice about your individual case and continue to comply with bail conditions and attendance requirements.