Welcome to the Police Station Agent Blog
Key Takeaways
- Your solicitor has the right to disclosure under Code C, paragraph 11.1A
- Disclosure must be sufficient to enable proper legal advice
- You can refuse to answer questions if disclosure is inadequate
- Always request a solicitor before any police interview
Welcome to the Police Station Agent Blog
Welcome to the Police Station Agent blog, your comprehensive resource for expert insights on police station representation, criminal defence procedures, and your legal rights in custody across Kent and the UK.
About This Blog
Our blog covers a wide range of topics related to police station representation and criminal law, including:
- Your rights during police interviews and custody
- Voluntary interview procedures and what to expect
- Legal Aid and free legal representation
- Understanding police bail and conditions
- What happens at a police station
- Police station disclosure and evidence
- And much more
Expert Legal Advice
All content is authored by Robert Cashman, an accredited duty solicitor with over 35 years of experience in police station representation. With Higher Rights of Audience (Criminal), Robert provides expert representation across all Kent custody suites.
Free Legal Advice
Remember, if you are arrested or invited for a voluntary interview, you are entitled to free legal advice under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE). This service is available regardless of your financial circumstances.
Understanding Your Legal Rights
Under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE), you have important rights when dealing with the police. These rights are designed to ensure fairness and protect individuals during police investigations. Understanding these rights is crucial for protecting your interests.
Seeking Legal Advice
If you require legal advice or representation at a police station, you are entitled to free legal advice under section 58 of PACE. An accredited duty solicitor can provide expert guidance throughout the process, whether you have been arrested or invited for a voluntary interview.
The Importance of Pre-Interview Disclosure
Before any police interview, your solicitor should obtain disclosure from the investigating officer. Under Code C, paragraph 11.1A, you are entitled to be informed of the nature of the suspected offence and why you are suspected of committing it. This information must be sufficient to enable your solicitor to provide proper legal advice.
What Should Disclosure Include?
Proper disclosure should include the details of the allegation, any evidence gathered such as CCTV, forensic evidence, or witness statements, the circumstances of your arrest if applicable, and any other material facts relevant to your interview. Under the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996, section 3, the prosecution has ongoing disclosure obligations.
Challenging Inadequate Disclosure
If the police provide insufficient disclosure, your solicitor can make representations to the custody sergeant under Code C. Where disclosure is inadequate, your solicitor may advise you to make no comment in interview until proper disclosure is provided. This protects your position while ensuring fairness in the investigation.
Further Information
For more information about police station representation and your legal rights, visit our Duty Solicitor Services page. If you have been invited for a voluntary interview, see our guide on Voluntary Interview Advice. For local services, check our Kent Police Stations guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the police refuse to give disclosure?
The police must provide sufficient information under Code C, paragraph 11.1A. If they refuse, your solicitor can advise you on the implications and whether to answer questions without full disclosure.
What if I answered questions without a solicitor?
Any answers given may still be used as evidence. However, the court will consider whether you were properly advised of your rights under section 58 of PACE when assessing the weight of that evidence.
Is disclosure the same at police station and court?
No. Police station disclosure is more limited. Full prosecution disclosure occurs after charging under the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, contact a qualified solicitor. Legal Aid is available for police station representation regardless of your financial circumstances.
References
- Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (Codes of Practice) Order 2015, Code C, paragraph 11.1A
- Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996, section 3
- Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, section 58
- R v Argent [1997] 2 Cr App R 27