How to Arrange a Solicitor When Someone Is in Custody

Introduction

When someone is detained at a Kent police station, arranging a solicitor quickly can help protect their rights before interview. This guide explains what information helps, who can make contact, and how the Defence Solicitor Call Centre process works.

Police Station Agent is a private defence website operated by Robert Cashman — NOT Kent Police. Legal services are delivered through Tuckers Solicitors LLP (SRA ID: 127795).

How to arrange a solicitor when someone is in custody

Key takeaways

The detainee can ask custody staff to contact a solicitor at any time.
Immediate family may help arrange advice when someone is in current custody.
Useful details include name, date of birth, station, and custody record number.
Telephone 01732 247427 for urgent custody — do not rely on email.

Asking from inside custody

A detainee can tell the custody officer they want legal advice at any time. Custody staff should contact the Defence Solicitor Call Centre (DSCC) to arrange a duty solicitor. The detainee may request Robert Cashman, Tuckers Duty Solicitor.

Help from immediate family

Parents, spouses, civil partners, children, and siblings may contact us when someone is in current custody. Friends and extended family cannot instruct on someone else's behalf. The detainee must still confirm they want legal advice. See immediate family rules.

Information that helps

Full name and date of birth of the detainee
Police station — confirm the custody suite (e.g. North Kent/Gravesend, Tonbridge, Medway)
Custody record number — the detainee can ask the custody officer
DSCC reference — if already allocated when you contact us

Read custody record numbers and DSCC references explained and DSCC support page.

Urgent contact

For someone in custody now, telephone 01732 247427. Text 07535 494446 only if you cannot call. See someone in custody now.

Voluntary interviews

If you have a booked voluntary interview, you can still arrange free legal advice in advance. Early contact allows time to review disclosure. See voluntary interview advice.

Further information for detainees and family

If you or someone you know faces police station attendance in Kent, remember that legal advice at the police station is free for most people being interviewed. You do not have to answer police questions without advice. A solicitor is independent of the police and bound by confidentiality.

Immediate family may help arrange a solicitor when someone is in current custody, subject to the detainee confirming they want legal advice. Call 01732 247427 or text 07535 494446. Ask for Robert Cashman, Tuckers Duty Solicitor. Attendance is subject to availability.

See your rights in custody, someone in custody now, and free police station advice in Kent.

Related guides in Kent

Conclusion

If someone is in Kent custody now, call 01732 247427 or text 07535 494446. Ask for Robert Cashman, Tuckers Duty Solicitor. Attendance is subject to availability.

Sources

GOV.UK — If you're arrested: your rights
PACE 1984, section 58 — right to legal advice
SRA register — search for Tuckers Solicitors LLP (SRA ID 127795)

DSCC and custody record support (Police Station Agent)

Someone in custody now (Police Station Agent)

General information only — not legal advice about any individual case. Legal services are provided by Tuckers Solicitors LLP (SRA ID: 127795).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum information needed?

Client name, date of birth, and station. A custody record number or DSCC reference helps locate the detainee faster.

Can I arrange a solicitor by email for urgent custody?

No. Urgent custody requires telephone contact. Email may be used for scheduled voluntary interviews.

Can friends arrange a solicitor for someone in custody?

No. Only immediate family may help arrange a solicitor, and the detainee must confirm they want legal advice.