Types of Offences Commonly Dealt With at the Police Station Stage

Introduction

In England and Wales, many criminal investigations begin or progress at the police station. Whether you are arrested and taken into custody or invited to a voluntary police interview, the allegations involved can span a wide range of offences. Understanding the scope of what is commonly dealt with at this stage helps put police station legal advice in context.

This page gives an informational overview of offence categories often encountered at the police station. It does not cover every possible offence, but it outlines the main types and how early legal advice applies.

Why the Police Station Stage Matters

The police station is where many cases are shaped. What happens in custody or during an interview under caution can affect whether you are charged, bailed, or released under investigation. It can also affect how your case is presented later if it goes to court.

Free legal advice at the police station is available regardless of the type of allegation. A criminal defence solicitor or accredited representative can advise you on your rights in custody, help you understand the disclosure, and guide how you respond in interview. The purpose of early advice is to help you understand the process, the evidence, and your options—not to pressure you into any particular course of action.

Overview of Common Offence Categories

Offences dealt with at the police station often fall into these broad categories:

• Violence and public order
• Sexual allegations
• Theft, fraud and financial allegations
• Drug-related allegations
• Domestic-related allegations
• Motoring and driving allegations

Each category can include a range of specific offences, from less serious matters to very serious ones. The same rights to legal advice apply in all cases.

Violence & Public Order

Allegations of assault (common assault, ABH, GBH), affray, violent disorder, or public order offences such as threatening or abusive behaviour are often investigated at the police station. You may be interviewed in custody or by appointment. Evidence can include witness statements, CCTV, medical records, and body-worn video.

Police station legal advice in these cases typically focuses on understanding the allegation, the strength of the evidence, and how to respond in interview. The solicitor will not tell you what to say but can explain the law, the process, and the implications of different responses. For more detail, see our article on violence and public order allegations at the police station stage.

Sexual Allegations

Investigations into sexual offences are among the most serious. They are usually conducted with care by the police and can involve significant disclosure, specialist questioning, and long-term consequences. Whether the allegation is historic or recent, the interview is formal and recorded.

Legal advice at the police station is essential. A solicitor can ensure you understand the allegation, review what has been disclosed, and advise on how to participate in the process while protecting your position. Early advice does not imply guilt; it helps ensure the process is fair and that you understand your rights. For more detail, see our overview of sexual allegations at the police station stage.

Theft, Fraud & Financial Allegations

Theft, burglary, fraud, and other financial crimes are frequently investigated at the police station. Evidence may include bank records, statements from alleged victims, CCTV, and digital data. Interviews often centre on transactions, movements, and intent.

A criminal defence solicitor can help you understand what the police are alleging, what evidence they say they have, and how your answers might be used. Advice is tailored to the specific allegation and the disclosure provided. For more detail, see our article on theft, fraud and financial allegations at the police station.

Drug-Related Allegations

Possession, supply, production, or importation of controlled drugs are common police station matters. The type of drug, quantity, and circumstances can affect how the case is treated. Searches, forensic results, and witness evidence often form part of the investigation.

Legal advice at this stage can cover the allegation, the evidence, and your rights. It can also address practical issues such as bail conditions or release under investigation, so you know what to expect after the interview. For more detail, see our article on drug-related allegations and police station interviews.

Domestic-Related Allegations

Allegations in a domestic context—such as assault, harassment, or coercive control—are often prioritised by the police. They can lead to arrest, voluntary interview, or both. Bail conditions may restrict contact with another person or a place.

Police station advice in domestic cases helps you understand the allegation, the evidence, and the process. It also helps you understand what may happen next, including outcomes after interview, so you can plan accordingly. For more detail, see our article on domestic-related allegations at the police station stage.

Motoring & Driving Allegations

Driving offences, from drink or drug driving to dangerous driving, failing to stop, or driving without insurance, are regularly dealt with at the police station. You may be interviewed after a positive breath test, following a collision, or in connection with other evidence.

Legal advice can clarify the allegation, the procedure (including any samples or tests), and how to respond. Even for matters that may seem straightforward, what you say in interview can affect the outcome and any later court case. For more detail, see our article on motoring and driving allegations investigated at the police station.

How Legal Advice Adapts to Different Allegations

Although the right to free legal advice at the police station is the same for every type of allegation, the way advice is given depends on the case. A solicitor will consider the offence type, the disclosure, the evidence, and your situation before advising on interview strategy, bail, or other issues.

Some cases involve complex evidence or multiple allegations; others are more focused. The solicitor’s role is to help you understand the process and your rights, so you can make informed decisions. There is no one-size-fits-all approach—advice is tailored to the allegations and the facts.

Conclusion

The types of offences commonly dealt with at the police station stage cover violence and public order, sexual allegations, theft and fraud, drugs, domestic-related matters, and motoring. In every case, you have the right to police station legal advice before and during interview. That advice is free, independent, and confidential.

Understanding the scope of allegations handled at this stage is a starting point. If you are invited to an interview or arrested, speaking to a solicitor early helps you understand the process, the evidence, and your rights—so you can respond in an informed way.