Legal advice when it’s needed the most
Slater Heelis offers a proactive and bespoke level of police station representation for clients who feel that their case is too important to risk leaving to legal aid solicitors.
The interview can have significant implications for you should the matter proceed to court.
By choosing one of our police station representation solicitors, you can ensure that you will be offered thorough legal advice and therefore the best chance of clearing your criminal charges.
Understanding your rights
Our team of solicitors will inform you of your rights and will advise you of the following:
- What to say, or what not to say, during the interview process
- Your right to remain silent if you choose to do so and the implications this can have
- The legislation surrounding your criminal charges
- If your attendance at the police station is necessary
Our approach to police station representation
Our police station solicitors will work to deliver the best outcome for your case. With years of experience, our team will provide support and advice throughout the process, including the following:
- Speak to the police officer in the case to understand the nature of the charges
- Prepare your defence or mitigation in advance of the interview
- Consult with you prior to the interview to discuss your options
- Make representations to the police about bail and any bail conditions due to being imposed
If appropriate, we’ll prepare and submit formal written representations following your interview. Those representations have to be taken into consideration by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) when they decide whether to charge you or take no further action.
We can also assist with ID procedures and biometric samples, as well as making enquiries about bail and any bail conditions.
If you are investigated by agencies such as Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs, the National Crime Agency, the Financial Conduct Authority, the Department of Work and Pensions, the Environment Agency, the General Pharmaceutical Council, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, or local councils (in other words, not a police station), you will not qualify for legal aid and the above principles apply.
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Can any solicitor attend a police station?
You are entitled to free legal advice from the duty solicitor at the police station. If, however, you would prefer a private solicitor to support you through police interview, you can reach out to any solicitor or firm you like.
Whether a solicitor can get to the police station for your interview will depend on their own schedule, but most of the time they can accommodate.
If you are invited to a police interview, rather than arrested and taken straight to the police station, you can still contact any solicitor you would like to work on your behalf.
Remember that you are always entitled to legal representation in a police interview, even if an officer tells you otherwise.
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Should I talk to the police without a solicitor present?
It is strongly advised that you seek legal guidance or support before and during an interview with the police. Ensure that you are thinking straight and that nothing you say can be misconstrued by having a solicitor present to understand the situation and navigate any trick questions or tactics.
Under pressure in the environment, if facing the police interview alone, you may end up saying something that is not actually true. Have a clear head and a strong approach with a trusted solicitor who knows how these types of things work.