Many people who are unfamiliar with the criminal justice system will often say to us, after they have instructed us, well I didn’t ask for a solicitor because I didn’t want to appear guilty. YOU ARE ENTITLED TO ASK FOR A SOLICITOR FREE OF CHARGE. Asking for a solicitor is not an admission of guilt. We are there to help you and advise you as to the evidence in the case. We do not work for the police, we are independent and will advise you to achieve the best outcome in your case.

We will not keep you waiting! If you require legal advice and the Police Station ensure that as soon as you arrive at the Police Station you insist that we are contacted by the police. We will then contact the police, speak with you and do everything we can to try and speed up and pursue the police to arrange that your case be dealt with as quickly as possible. You are entitled to a Solicitor, free of charge, including for a voluntarily interview whether that be by the roadside, at your house or at the police station. You do not have to be under arrest to have free representation either at the Police Station or if you are interviewed by other agencies.

The police can arrest you and keep you in custody for 24 hours. They can seek an extension of twelve hours in certain circumstances but in order to keep you for a longer period they have to apply to a Magistrates Court for a warrant of further detention to keep you beyond the maximum 36 hours. We at Chris Stevenson Solicitors know that it can be a worrying and troubling time spent in the police station and we will endeavour to get you out as quickly as possible. We will make representations to the police about your time in custody and try to get you out as soon as possible.

The Department of Work and Pensions and RSPCA will often interview you whilst under caution and they both investigate and prosecute criminal offenses. We can often provide free legal advice in relation to these type of offenses however, we must complete a Legal Aid assessment prior to any interview.

If you were interviewed by the police without a solicitor, we can still take your case on thereafter so do not hesitate to contact us if you did not have a solicitor in the police station and you require representation.