Offences We Deal With
If the police want to interview you about a criminal offence, you are entitled to free, independent legal advice before you attend.
Police Station Representation and Legal Aid
At the police station, you have the right to free legal advice under Legal Aid. This is not means-tested for police station interviews. A duty solicitor can attend to advise you, help you prepare, and represent you during interview.
We can attend police stations across Kent to provide:
- •Advice before and during police interviews
- •Representation at voluntary attendance interviews
- •Preparation and strategy guidance
- •Liaison with the officer in charge (OIC) to obtain disclosure
- •Post-interview advice on bail, release under investigation (RUI), and next steps
We cover all Kent custody suites, including Medway, Maidstone, Canterbury, Gravesend, and other police stations across the county.
Types of Offences We Handle
Domestic Abuse Allegations
Allegations of domestic abuse are taken seriously by the police. We can provide advice and representation.
Sexual Offences
Sexual offence allegations require careful, respectful handling. Early legal advice is essential.
Assault / ABH / GBH
Allegations of assault, actual bodily harm (ABH), or grievous bodily harm (GBH) can lead to serious consequences.
Harassment and Stalking
Harassment and stalking allegations can involve restraining orders, bail conditions, and potential criminal charges.
Drug Offences
Drug offence allegations can range from possession to supply offences. Early legal advice is important.
Fraud and Theft
Fraud and theft allegations can be complex and may involve multiple interviews or ongoing investigations.
How Police Investigations Usually Progress
- 1.Initial Contact: The police may contact you by phone, letter, or in person. They may ask you to attend a voluntary interview or you may be arrested.
- 2.Interview: Whether voluntary or under arrest, the interview is conducted under caution. Anything you say can be used in evidence. This is why early legal advice is important.
- 3.After Interview: Following interview, the police may release you without charge (no further action), release you under investigation (RUI), bail you to return to the police station, or charge you with an offence.
- 4.Ongoing Investigation: If released under investigation or on bail, the police may continue to gather evidence. You may be asked to return for further interviews.
- 5.Decision: The police, sometimes with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), will decide whether to charge you, take no further action, or offer an out-of-court disposal.
Why Early Advice Matters (Before Interview)
Obtaining legal advice before a police interview is important for several reasons:
- •Understanding the Allegations: We can help you understand what you are being accused of and what evidence the police may have.
- •Disclosure: We can contact the officer in charge to request disclosure of the evidence against you before interview.
- •Preparation: We can help you prepare for interview, discuss your options, and advise on strategy.
- •Protection: We can ensure your rights are protected and that the interview is conducted fairly.
- •Outcomes: Early advice can help you understand potential outcomes and next steps.
For more information, see our pages on voluntary police interviews and your rights in custody.
Voluntary Attendance vs Arrest
You may be asked to attend a voluntary interview (also called a "caution plus 3" interview) or you may be arrested. Both are serious and carry the same legal risks.
Voluntary Interview
You are asked to attend at a specific time. You are not under arrest, but the interview is still conducted under caution. Anything you say can be used in evidence.
Arrest
You are detained and taken to a police station. You may be held in custody for questioning. The interview is conducted under caution.
In both cases, you have the right to free legal advice. We can attend voluntary interviews and custody interviews across Kent.
Police Bail and Release Under Investigation
After interview, you may be:
- •Released Under Investigation (RUI): No bail conditions, but the investigation continues. You may be contacted again.
- •Police Bail: Conditions may be imposed, such as not contacting certain people or staying away from specific areas. You must return to the police station on a specified date.
- •Charged: You may be charged with an offence and given a court date.
For more information, see our pages on police bail explained and released under investigation.
How We Can Help
If the police want to interview you about an offence, we can:
- •Advise You: We can explain the allegations, the process, and your options.
- •Obtain Disclosure: We can contact the officer in charge to request disclosure of the evidence before interview.
- •Prepare You: We can help you prepare for interview, discuss strategy, and advise on your approach.
- •Represent You: We can attend the interview with you, ensure your rights are protected, and help you respond to questions.
- •Guide You: We can advise on bail, RUI, and next steps after interview.
We cover all Kent police stations and can attend voluntary interviews and custody interviews subject to availability and conflicts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is legal advice free at the police station?
Yes. Legal Aid is usually available at the police station for interviews, whether voluntary or under arrest. This is not means-tested.
Do I have to attend a voluntary interview?
Attendance is technically voluntary, but refusal may lead to arrest. It is important to obtain legal advice before deciding whether to attend.
Can I have a solicitor at a voluntary interview?
Yes. You have the right to free legal advice and representation at voluntary interviews. The police cannot refuse this.
What happens if I am arrested?
If arrested, you will be taken to a police station. You have the right to free legal advice. We can attend to advise and represent you.
How quickly can a solicitor attend?
We aim to respond promptly. Attendance times depend on location, custody demand, and solicitor availability.
Which police stations do you cover?
We cover all Kent custody suites including Medway, Maidstone, Gravesend, Canterbury, Tonbridge, Folkestone, Ashford, Sittingbourne, Margate, Dover, and Sevenoaks.
What if I am released under investigation?
If released under investigation (RUI), the investigation continues. You may be contacted again. We can advise on your position and next steps.
What if I am bailed?
If bailed, you must comply with any conditions and return to the police station on the specified date. We can advise on bail conditions and your obligations.
Can you help if I am charged?
Yes. We can advise on the charge, court proceedings, and representation. We work with court specialists for ongoing representation.
What if the police contact me again?
If contacted again, you should obtain legal advice. We can help you understand why you are being contacted and what to do next.
Do you cover offences outside Kent?
We primarily cover Kent police stations. For matters outside Kent, we can advise on options and may be able to assist subject to availability.
How much does police station representation cost?
Legal Aid is usually available at the police station, so representation is free. For more information, see our fees page.
What if I am a witness or complainant?
We represent those accused of offences. If you are a witness or complainant, the police can provide information about support services.
What Happens Next
If the police want to interview you about an offence, it is important to obtain legal advice as soon as possible. We can:
- •Advise you on the allegations and process
- •Contact the officer in charge to obtain disclosure
- •Help you prepare for interview
- •Attend and represent you during interview
- •Guide you on bail, RUI, and next steps
We cover police stations across Kent and can attend voluntary interviews and custody interviews subject to availability and conflicts.