Legal Advice at North Kent (Gravesend) Custody Suite

Introduction

If someone is detained at the North Kent custody suite at Gravesend (Thames Way, Northfleet), they are entitled to free legal advice at the police station under the duty solicitor scheme. This guide explains what typically happens after arrest in north Kent, how immediate family can help arrange a solicitor, and how Robert Cashman attends through Tuckers Solicitors LLP across Kent — with regular attendance at North Kent custody among other stations.

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).

1) What is North Kent (Gravesend) custody?

The North Kent custody suite is located at Thames Way, Northfleet (postcode DA11 8BD). It is one of Kent's main 24-hour custody facilities and often receives detainees from Gravesend, Dartford, Northfleet, Swanscombe and surrounding north Kent areas. Operational routing can vary — some arrests in north Kent may be taken to other suites depending on demand and capacity at the time.

Understanding which suite is holding a detainee matters when arranging legal advice. Custody staff can confirm the location. See our dedicated page: police station cover — Gravesend & North Kent and the North Kent area hub.

2) What happens after arrest in north Kent?

After arrest, a person is usually taken to a custody suite. The custody officer should explain rights under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE), including the right to free legal advice. The detainee is booked in, property may be recorded and stored, and a custody record is created on the custody suite system. Reviews of detention should take place at prescribed intervals.

The custody officer decides whether detention is necessary and authorised. The detainee should be told the reason for arrest and the grounds for detention. Medical needs, vulnerability, and the right to have someone informed of the arrest should also be addressed. For a general overview of the custody process in Kent, see Kent custody after arrest and our guide to custody time limits.

3) Your right to a solicitor at the police station

PACE 1984, section 58, gives detainees the right to consult a solicitor privately at the police station. Code C of the Codes of Practice sets out how that advice should be arranged. Legal advice at the police station under Legal Aid is free for most detainees being interviewed — it is not means-tested in the way court Legal Aid can be.

Your solicitor is independent of the police. Anything you say to them in private is confidential. They can advise you before any interview under caution, review disclosure, explain your options including no comment or a prepared statement, and remain with you during interview. You may request a specific duty solicitor where the scheme allows.

See PACE Code C explained and your rights in custody for more detail on how these rights work in practice.

4) How immediate family can help

If a loved one is in current custody at a Kent station, immediate family (for example a parent, spouse, civil partner, child or sibling) may contact us to help arrange a solicitor. Friends, colleagues and extended family cannot instruct on someone else's behalf. We act on immediate matters only — not past arrests or general hypothetical advice.

Family members can pass on contact details and ask the detainee to request Robert Cashman, Tuckers Duty Solicitor, when speaking to custody staff or the Defence Solicitor Call Centre. The detainee must confirm they want legal advice. Read someone in custody now, what to do if a loved one is arrested, and immediate family instruction in Kent.

5) Disclosure and interview at North Kent custody

Before interview, a solicitor will usually seek disclosure from the investigating officer — details of the allegation, what evidence the police rely on, and any significant circumstances. Disclosure may be limited at this stage, but it should be enough to enable proper advice. The solicitor's role is to protect your rights and advise on interview strategy, not to answer questions on your behalf.

Interviews at North Kent custody are typically recorded on audio and video. The recording creates a permanent record of everything said. What you say in interview can be played at court if the case proceeds. What you do not say may also be commented upon under certain circumstances. This is why early legal advice matters — decisions made in interview are difficult to undo later.

Your solicitor may advise you to answer questions, make no comment, or read a prepared statement. Each approach has strategic implications depending on the disclosure received and the strength of the evidence. There is no single correct answer for every case — advice is tailored to the individual circumstances.

5a) Interview outcomes at North Kent

After interview at North Kent custody, common outcomes include charge and bail to court, release under investigation while enquiries continue, release on police bail with conditions, or no further action at this stage. The custody officer and investigating officer decide the outcome based on the evidence and investigation needs.

Each outcome has different implications. Charge means a court date will be set. Release under investigation means the case is not closed but you are not on bail. Police bail may include conditions such as not contacting witnesses or not entering certain areas. Your solicitor can explain what each outcome means for you and what happens next.

6) Voluntary interviews in north Kent

Not every police contact involves custody. Voluntary interviews under caution may take place at local stations across north Kent — including Dartford, Gravesend and other locations. If you have a booked voluntary interview, you are still entitled to free legal advice. Attending without a solicitor is a choice, but the interview carries the same legal risks as a custody interview.

See voluntary police interview advice and risks of attending alone.

7) Common allegations at north Kent custody

North Kent custody handles a wide range of allegations — from theft and assault to motoring matters, drug offences, and more serious indictable cases. The nature of the allegation affects disclosure, interview strategy, and likely outcome. Regardless of the offence type, the right to free legal advice at the police station applies to most detainees being interviewed.

See offences at police station stage for an overview of common allegation types and how the police station stage differs from court proceedings.

8) Kent-wide cover — not just Gravesend

Robert Cashman attends custody suites and voluntary interviews across Kent — Medway, Canterbury, Folkestone, Dover and others (Maidstone: voluntary interviews only) — subject to availability. North Kent (Gravesend) and Tonbridge are among the county's main 24-hour custody facilities and are areas of regular attendance.

Browse all locations or the police station directory for station-specific information.

9) How to contact Robert Cashman

Call 01732 247427 for current custody or a booked voluntary interview. If you cannot call, text 07535 494446 with the detainee's name, date of birth, and station. Ask for Robert Cashman, Tuckers Duty Solicitor — the DSCC have our details. Attendance is subject to availability and should not be assumed until confirmed.

Related guides in Kent

• Voluntary Police Interview Letter in Kent
• Is Police Station Legal Advice Free in Kent?
• Police Station Rep Near Me in Kent
• Maidstone Voluntary Interviews (Custody Closed)
• Canterbury Custody Legal Advice
• Sevenoaks Voluntary Interview Advice
• Folkestone Custody Legal Advice
• Qualified Duty Solicitor vs Police Station Rep
• Police Warrant or Arrest in Kent
• No Further Action After Police Interview
• Tonbridge custody and interviews
• Medway custody legal advice
• Kent custody after arrest
• Released under investigation (RUI)
• When to ask for a solicitor
• Arrange a solicitor in custody
• Immediate family instruction

Conclusion

If someone you know is at North Kent custody, ask custody staff to contact a solicitor and request Robert Cashman, Tuckers Duty Solicitor. Call 01732 247427 or text 07535 494446 if you cannot call. Early legal advice at the police station can help protect rights before interview. 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)
• Gravesend & North Kent cover (Police Station Agent)
• Someone in custody now (Police Station Agent)
• PACE Code C explained (Police Station Agent)
• Your rights in custody (Police Station Agent)

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