A police interview is something that most people never think they'll experience
The reality of being asked to attend an interview at the police station, or even being arrested and taken to the station can come as a complete shock.
People often panic and have no idea what to do or say. The police may suggest that a voluntary interview is just an informal 'chat'. If arrested, they may think that speaking to the police without legal advice will speed things up and get them released quicker.
Being represented by a specialist police station solicitor may avoid mistakes and even being charged.
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What happens in the interview can affect the entire case
The police interview process can be very fast moving. The shock of an arrest may leave you with little chance to think clearly before you are sat in an interview with a police officer firing questions at you. Even when attending voluntarily, questioning could start with no idea of what you are accused of.
The answers you give in the interview can affect whether you are charged, or even whether you end up getting convicted at court.
People are often scared that a no comment interview will anger the police, or they will say anything, hoping it will make the whole thing just go away.
Getting legal advice before any interview is essential, but the right advice from an expert police station solicitor can make a massive difference to what happens
A police interview is on the police's terms and territory, not yours
Being arrested and dragged to a police station is terrifying for anyone, and even the idea of a voluntary interview can be almost as scary. The fact is that you are being formally interviewed as a suspect in a criminal investigation, not just 'a chat' as the police may falsely say.
The police will only provide limited information before the interview. You will be sat in a room, often without any windows, with microphones recording everything you say. This set up alone can already make you feel like a criminal.
In this hostile environment, people can feel pressured into saying things that are wrong or which they don't mean. This can then be used against them later. They may look back and wish that they used a proper police station solicitor.
You can have some control over the situation
Whether you've been arrested or asked to attend voluntarily, the police simply cannot force you to start answering questions without a specialist lawyer you have chosen yourself.
If you request legal advice but the police refuse this and interview you anyway, the whole process is likely to be invalid.
Not only is it your legal right to be represented by a lawyer, this is a right everybody should take up.
The advice you receive in these early stages could completely change whether you are charged or not. One of the biggest risks in an interview is saying something you later regret. Expert advice and police station representation massively reduces that risk, and a good lawyer can even persuade police or the CPS not to continue in some cases.
We put ourselves between you and police
Our specialist police station solicitors will protect your interests every step of the way.
First of all, we get all available information from the police. Then we take the time to go through this with you and hear your side in detail.
We then advise you on what steps need to be taken. If something needs to be said or disclosed to police, then we will often do this via a carefully drafted prepared statement to be read at interview.
Our specialist team of police investigation solicitors will always first look at whether they can stop an investigation even reaching court, through written representations and negotiation. If appropriate, proactive defence at the outset can mean that a case never gets off the ground.
What can I do to protect my position?
If you are asked to attend a voluntary interview, then always get the name and contact number of the investigating officer. Do not discuss your response to the allegations with the police over phone. You can simply confirm that you are willing to attend a voluntary interview and that you will instruct a solicitor.
Contact a firm of solicitors who specialise in police station representation. It is important that you have legal advice before any interview takes place.
Call us to discuss your matter. We may be able to take on your case and represent you. We will at least advise you on the process and what to expect, even if we are not able to help.
NEVER go into an interview with the police without legal advice and representation.
No-tricks fixed-fee pricing
We can usually offer a fixed fee instalment plan so you can plan for the expense, and so you can fund your case in stages while it is continuing.
Private representation
Once we have an idea of what kind of case you are facing and what work that will be necessary, we will then be able to provide you with a fixed fee quote. This means that you know before you commit how much your case will cost.
What's included?
Frequently asked questions
Is a voluntary interview less serious or important?
The simple answer is no. It is still a formal interview under caution where you are being investigated for a criminal offence. The interview recording can be used as evidence in the same way as an interview under arrest if your case goes to court.
Does having legal representation in interview make me look guilty?
It is your legal right to have legal representation and this does not automatically mean you are hiding something. A police interview is serious matter and it is always sensible to receive professional legal advice.
What if I do not have my own solicitor?
You can always request a Duty Solicitor who will provide free and independent legal advice for the purpose of the interview.
If I answer no comment, will I be charged?
The short answer is no. The police must have sufficient evidence to charge you and the decision to charge cannot be purely based on a person not answering questions. It is your right not to answer questions in an interview and it is for the prosecution to prove the offence against you, not for you to prove that you are innocent.
Will the police provide all of the evidence before I am interviewed?
The police will provide something called 'disclosure'. This is often basic information summarising what the allegation is, but this does not include all of the evidence and they may even withhold information.
Send us a confidential message
We'll get back to you as soon as possible. We are happy to speak to you if you have a query, and either have a free consultation on the phone or in person if necessary.