24/7 Police Station Solicitor

Your right to legal advice

A person questioned at a police station has the right to free and independent legal advice. You can ask the police to contact a solicitor you know, or request the duty solicitor. If you initially decline advice, you can change your mind.

• Private advice before interview
• A solicitor present during questioning
• Advice on the police caution and interview strategy

Why representation matters

What is said—or not said—in interview may later be relied upon in court. Representation includes obtaining the available disclosure, identifying the issues, advising on the safest lawful approach and protecting your rights throughout the process.

• Custody and detention issues
• Searches, samples and identification procedures
• Bail or release under investigation

Voluntary interviews

A voluntary interview is still conducted under caution and may have serious consequences. You are generally free to leave unless arrested, but you should obtain advice before agreeing to answer questions.

What happens before a police interview

Before interview, your solicitor can obtain the available disclosure, speak to you privately, explain the allegation and advise on the safest lawful interview strategy. Depending on the evidence, that may involve answering questions, providing a prepared statement or exercising the right not to answer particular questions. The correct approach depends on the facts and should not be decided without legal advice.

• Review the allegation and available disclosure
• Identify evidence that may assist the defence
• Advise on the police caution and interview strategy
• Raise concerns about vulnerability, health or fitness for interview

Your rights in police custody

A person in custody has important procedural rights, including access to free and independent legal advice, medical assistance where required and information about the rules governing detention. Asking for a solicitor does not make you look guilty and should not be treated as an admission.

For more detail, read our guide to your rights after arrest.

After interview: bail, release or charge

After interview, the police may take no further action, release you under investigation, grant pre-charge bail or charge you. Each outcome has different consequences. If you are released, early follow-up can be important where evidence needs to be preserved or bail conditions need to be reviewed.

What to do before you arrive at the police station

• Keep the officer’s name, station details, appointment time and any reference number.
• Do not give a detailed account of the allegation by telephone, text or email before legal advice.
• Preserve relevant messages, photographs, receipts, travel records, work records and CCTV details.
• Do not delete, alter or dispose of potentially relevant material.
• Tell your solicitor about medication, health conditions, communication needs or vulnerability before interview.
• If you have already been interviewed and released, keep all bail or release paperwork and note every date carefully.

If the police want to speak to you urgently, call 07500 556587 so arrangements can be made before questioning begins.