Emergency Police Station Representation in Kent
Immediate extended hours service at all Kent custody suites. FREE legal advice under Section 58 of PACE 1984. Your right to legal advice is absolute.
Ask for Robert Cashman, Tuckers Duty Solicitor — The DSCC have our details
Under Section 58 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, you have an absolute right to consult a solicitor privately and at any time while in police custody[1]. This right is:
- Completely free — Funded by Legal Aid under the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012[2]
- Not means-tested — Available regardless of your income or assets
- Extended Hours Service — Including nights, weekends, and bank holidays
- Confidential — Your consultation with a solicitor is legally privileged
The Custody Officer must inform you of this right upon arrival at the police station under PACE Code C, paragraph 3.1. You should exercise this right immediately.
Arrested in Kent? What to Do Now
Stay Calm
You have legal rights protected by PACE 1984. Do not resist or argue — this can lead to additional charges under Section 89 of the Police Act 1996.
Request a Solicitor
Tell the Custody Sergeant: 'I want a solicitor.' Ask for Robert Cashman, Tuckers Duty Solicitor (01732 247427). This is your Section 58 right.
Say Nothing
Do not answer any questions about the alleged offence until you have received legal advice. You have the right to remain silent — exercise it.
How the Duty Solicitor Scheme Works
The duty solicitor scheme is administered by the Defence Solicitor Call Centre (DSCC), operated by the Legal Aid Agency. When you request a solicitor at a Kent police station[3]:
Request a solicitor
Tell the Custody Sergeant you want a solicitor. You can ask for a specific solicitor by name (e.g., "Robert Cashman, Tuckers") or the duty solicitor.
DSCC notified
The custody suite contacts the DSCC, who will contact your chosen solicitor or the duty solicitor on the rota.
Solicitor attends
The solicitor (or their accredited representative) will attend the police station to advise you privately before any interview takes place.
Under PACE Code C, paragraph 6.6, interviews should not proceed until the suspect has received legal advice, unless delay would cause unreasonable delay to the investigation or risk harm to others.
Kent Custody Suites We Cover
24hr Custody
24hr Custody
Custody Suite
Custody Suite
Voluntary Interviews
Voluntary Interviews
Emergency Representation FAQs
How quickly can you attend a Kent police station?
We aim to attend any Kent custody suite promptly. Under PACE Code C, paragraph 6.6, interviews should not generally proceed until the suspect has received legal advice. The Defence Solicitor Call Centre (DSCC) coordinates duty solicitor attendance.
Is emergency police station representation free?
Yes. Under Section 58 of PACE 1984 and the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, everyone detained at a police station is entitled to free legal advice. This is not means-tested and applies during extended hours including nights, weekends, and bank holidays.
What should I do if arrested in Kent?
Request a solicitor immediately when asked by the Custody Sergeant. You can ask for Robert Cashman, Tuckers Duty Solicitor (01732 247427), or request the duty solicitor. Do not answer any questions about the alleged offence until you have received legal advice.
Do you cover all Kent police stations?
Yes. We provide representation at all Kent Police custody suites including Medway (Gillingham), North Kent (Gravesend), Canterbury, and Folkestone, as well as voluntary interview locations at Maidstone and Tonbridge.
[1] Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, Section 58; R v Samuel [1988] QB 615
[2] Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, Section 15; Legal Aid Agency, "2018 Standard Crime Contract"
[3] Legal Aid Agency, "Duty Provider Manual" (2023 Edition); PACE Code C, paragraphs 6.1-6.6
Need Emergency Representation in Kent?
FREE legal advice under Legal Aid — it's your right under Section 58 PACE 1984
Ask for Robert Cashman, Tuckers Duty Solicitor — The DSCC have our details
Article v2.0 — Last updated 11/12/2025