Introduction
If you or a family member has just been arrested in Kent, the first hour can feel overwhelming. What you do in those early minutes — before any interview — often shapes everything that follows. The most important step is simple: ask for free, independent legal advice and do not answer questions about the allegation until that advice arrives.
This article explains, in plain English, what happens when you arrive at a Kent or Medway custody suite, the rights you have under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) Code C, and how to get a representative to the station quickly — including at night and over the weekend.
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).
Key takeaways
- The single most important thing in the first hour is to ask for free legal advice and wait for it before interview.
- Police station legal advice is free to everyone, regardless of income, and available 24 hours a day.
- You do not have to answer questions before speaking to a solicitor or accredited representative.
- Asking for legal advice cannot be used against you and does not make you look guilty.
- If the detainee is under 18 or vulnerable, an appropriate adult must be arranged before interview.
Answer first
If you have been arrested in Kent, the single most important thing in the first hour is to ask for free, independent legal advice and to wait for that advice before being interviewed. Legal advice at the police station is free to everyone, regardless of income, and is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
You do not have to answer questions before you have spoken to a solicitor or accredited police station representative. Asking for legal advice does not make you look guilty and cannot be used against you. It is one of the few decisions in custody that is entirely within your control, so take it.
What happens when you arrive in custody
On arrival you will see the custody officer, who must open a custody record, explain why you are being detained, and tell you your rights under PACE Code C: the right to free legal advice, the right to have someone told you have been arrested, and the right to consult the Codes of Practice.
You will be searched, your property logged, and your detention authorised. The custody clock generally allows the police to detain you for up to 24 hours before charge, extendable to 36 hours by a senior officer, and up to 96 hours only with magistrates’ authority. Knowing the clock is running is one reason to get advice in place early rather than waiting.
Say these three things
First: ‘I want free legal advice.’ Second: ‘Please tell [name] where I am.’ Third: nothing about the allegation until your adviser arrives. These three short statements protect your rights, let your family know your whereabouts, and avoid giving an account before you understand the case against you.
If you are under 18 or a vulnerable adult, an appropriate adult must also be arranged before any interview — say so if it applies to you or your family member. The appropriate adult helps you understand what is happening and supports communication, but is not a substitute for legal advice.
How to get a representative to a Kent custody suite quickly
When you ask for legal advice, the police contact the Defence Solicitor Call Centre, or your chosen firm directly if you name one. You can name Police Station Agent and we will arrange cover at Kent and Medway custody suites, including out of hours. Naming a firm you trust avoids being allocated to whoever is on the duty rota.
Time matters because disclosure, interview, and decisions to charge or release often happen quickly. Having a representative present means your account is recorded properly, the disclosure is reviewed, and your rights are protected from the start rather than after a decision has already been made.
If you are reading this for someone already in custody, you can contact us with the custody suite location and any reference number, and we will liaise with the custody officer to confirm attendance.
Related guides
- No comment interview — Kent
- Police bail explained — Kent
- Police station representation
- Free legal advice at the police station
Need legal advice at a Kent police station?
Call 01732 247427 for custody or a booked voluntary interview. If you cannot call, text 07535 494446.
Ask for Robert Cashman, Tuckers Duty Solicitor. Legal services are provided by Tuckers Solicitors LLP (SRA ID: 127795).
Conclusion
The first hour after a Kent arrest is the moment your rights matter most. Ask for free legal advice, keep your account until your adviser arrives, and let someone know where you are. This article is general information for people attending Kent police stations — for advice on your own case, speak to a qualified solicitor before interview.
Sources
- PACE 1984, Code C (Detention, treatment and questioning) — GOV.UK
- Being arrested: your rights — GOV.UK
- Legal Aid Agency — advice and assistance at the police station — GOV.UK
- SRA register — Tuckers Solicitors LLP (127795)
General information only — not legal advice about any individual case. While every care is taken to keep information accurate, errors may occur and the law changes. Do not rely on this page instead of advice from a qualified solicitor. If you believe something is incorrect, contact us to report a content error.