How Much Does a Police Station Solicitor Cost in Kent?

Introduction

‘How much will a solicitor at the police station cost me?’ is one of the most common questions families ask after an arrest in Kent. The reassuring answer is that legal advice in custody is free to everyone — but some people still choose to pay for private representation, and it helps to understand why.

This article explains the difference between free, legal-aid-funded police station advice and private representation, when paying privately might make sense, and how private fees in Kent typically work.

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).

Answer first

Legal advice at the police station is free to everyone in England & Wales, whatever your income — this is not the same as legal aid for court, which can be means-tested. So in custody you do not have to pay to be advised and represented in interview, and you should never feel pressured to make a decision based on cost.

Some people still choose private representation, for example to instruct a specific firm, for continuity into any later case, or for private (non-legal-aid) work. That is a choice, not a requirement, and the free option is always available to you.

Free vs private: what’s the difference

Free police-station advice is funded by the Legal Aid Agency and delivered by duty solicitors or your chosen firm. It covers attendance, consultation, and interview representation — the core protections you need while in custody.

Private representation is paid by you and may be charged at a fixed fee for attendance or an hourly rate. It can be useful where you want a particular solicitor, or where the matter sits outside legal aid scope. Many people use the free service in custody and then instruct privately later if they wish.

How private Kent fees typically work

Private police-station fees vary by firm and by the time of day, the location of the custody suite, and how long attendance takes. Many firms quote a fixed attendance fee with any additional time charged separately; always ask for the basis of charge in writing before instructing so there are no surprises.

Whichever route you choose, the value is the same: a trained representative who reviews disclosure, advises on whether to answer questions, and protects your position. The fee, where one applies, pays for that expertise and attendance — not for a better outcome than the free service would secure.

If you are weighing up the options for yourself or a family member, you can ask for a clear quote, or simply request the free duty cover that is available to everyone.

Related guides

• Our fees
• What is a duty solicitor?
• Police station representation

Conclusion

You never have to pay for legal advice in police custody — it is free for everyone. Private representation is a choice some people make for continuity or to instruct a particular firm, not a necessity. This article is general information; for a quote or advice on your own circumstances, get in touch with a qualified solicitor.

Sources

• Legal Aid Agency — police station advice is free and non-means-tested — GOV.UK
• Legal aid: eligibility (court legal aid means testing, by contrast) — GOV.UK
• SRA Transparency Rules — price information for legal services
• 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.