Police Station Duty Solicitor Kent
Expert police station representation at every Kent custody suite. FREE legal advice under Legal Aid. 35 years criminal defence experience (21,000+ cases). Available within 30 minutes.
Why Speed Matters in Kent Custody Suites
When you're detained at a Kent police station, time is critical. Early legal intervention can make the difference between charge and release.
Kent Police operates some of the busiest custody suites in the South East. With major stations at Medway, Maidstone, and Canterbury processing hundreds of detainees weekly, having immediate access to experienced legal representation is essential.
The Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) gives you the right to free legal advice at the police station. This isn't a luxury – it's a fundamental protection that exists because the consequences of police interviews can be life-changing. What you say (or don't say) during interview can determine whether you're charged, cautioned, or released without further action.
We understand Kent's custody system inside out. Robert Cashman has represented clients at every Kent police station over three decades. This experience means we know the local procedures, the investigation teams, and how to navigate the system effectively on your behalf.
The Critical First Hours
When you're arrested in Kent, you'll typically be taken to one of the main custody suites: Medway (Gillingham) for the Medway Towns, North Kent (Gravesend) for Dartford and Gravesend, Maidstone for the county town area, or Canterbury, Folkestone, or Margate for East Kent.
The police can initially detain you for up to 24 hours (longer for serious offences). During this time, they'll want to interview you. Before any interview, you have the absolute right to consult privately with a solicitor. Never waive this right.
Our aim is to attend any Kent custody suite within 30 minutes of being contacted. We operate extended hours coverage – evenings, weekends, and bank holidays – because arrests don't follow office hours.
30 Minute Response
We aim to reach any Kent custody suite within 30 minutes
FREE Legal Advice
Police station advice is always free under Legal Aid
35 Years Experience
Decades of Kent criminal defence expertise
All Kent Police Stations Covered
We provide representation at every Kent custody suite
Medway Police Station
Purser Way, Gillingham ME7 1NE
Maidstone Police Station
Palace Avenue, Maidstone ME15 6NF
North Kent (Gravesend)
Windmill Street, Gravesend DA12 1BE
Canterbury Police Station
Old Dover Road, Canterbury CT1 3JQ
Tonbridge Police Station
Pembury Road, Tonbridge TN9 2HS
Folkestone Police Station
Bouverie Road West, Folkestone CT20 2RX
Ashford Police Station
Tufton Street, Ashford TN23 1BT
Sittingbourne Police Station
Bell Road, Sittingbourne ME10 4EQ
Margate Police Station
Fort Hill, Margate CT9 1HD
Sevenoaks Police Station
Morewood Close, Sevenoaks TN13 2HU
Dover Police Station
Ladywell, Dover CT16 1DJ
Tunbridge Wells
Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2LU
Police Station Representation By Area
Find local representation in your area of Kent
If you're arrested in Kent, you'll be taken to one of the county's custody suites for processing. Understanding what happens during this process can help reduce anxiety and ensure you make the right decisions about legal representation.
The Booking-In Process
On arrival at a Kent custody suite, you'll be brought before the Custody Sergeant. This officer is independent of the investigation and is responsible for your welfare and rights while detained. They will explain your rights, including your right to free legal advice.
Always request a solicitor at this stage. Even if the police suggest it will 'speed things up' to proceed without one, or that the matter is 'minor', you should insist on legal advice. What seems minor can have serious consequences.
The Interview Process
Before any interview, your solicitor will consult with you privately. We'll explain the evidence against you, discuss your options, and advise on the best approach. During the interview itself, we'll be present throughout, intervening where necessary to protect your rights.
After the Interview
Following interview, the police will decide next steps. You may be released without charge, released under investigation (RUI), bailed, charged, or cautioned. Having legal representation ensures you understand these outcomes and can challenge any inappropriate decisions.
Kent Police Station FAQs
How quickly can you attend a Kent police station?
We aim to attend any Kent custody suite within 30 minutes of being contacted. Our extended hours service covers evenings, weekends and bank holidays, ensuring rapid response across all Kent police stations.
Is police station legal advice really free in Kent?
Yes, absolutely. Under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE), everyone arrested or invited for a voluntary interview is entitled to free, independent legal advice at the police station. This right is not means-tested and applies regardless of your financial circumstances.
What happens if I'm arrested at night in Kent?
Our extended hours service covers overnight attendance at all Kent custody suites. Whether you're detained at 2am or 6am, we can provide immediate representation. Kent Police operate 24-hour custody suites at Medway, Maidstone, and Canterbury.
Can you attend voluntary interviews in Kent?
Yes. Voluntary interviews (also called 'interviews by appointment') are covered by the same free legal advice scheme as custody interviews. Never attend a voluntary interview without legal representation – the consequences can be just as serious as being arrested.
Which Kent police stations have custody suites?
The main Kent custody suites are at Medway (Gillingham), Maidstone, North Kent (Gravesend), Canterbury, Tonbridge, Folkestone, and Margate. We cover all of these plus any temporary custody facilities.
What is a police station duty solicitor?
A police station duty solicitor is a qualified solicitor accredited by the Law Society to provide FREE legal advice at police stations under Legal Aid. Robert Cashman is both a qualified solicitor and an Accredited Duty Solicitor with Higher Court Advocate status, providing expert representation at all Kent custody suites including Medway, Maidstone, Canterbury, and Gravesend.
How does a duty solicitor protect your rights in Kent custody suites?
A duty solicitor protects your rights by: ensuring you understand your legal rights under PACE 1984, reviewing police evidence and disclosure before interview, advising on whether to answer questions or remain silent, attending the interview with you and intervening if questioning is improper, making representations about bail conditions or release, and ensuring all police procedures are followed correctly. This protection is your absolute right under Section 58 of PACE 1984.
What is the difference between a police station agent and a duty solicitor?
A duty solicitor is a qualified solicitor accredited by the Law Society to provide legal advice at police stations. A police station agent (or accredited representative) is a non-solicitor who has passed the Police Station Qualification to attend on behalf of a solicitor's firm. Robert Cashman is a qualified solicitor and Accredited Duty Solicitor with Higher Court Advocate status, not just an agent.
What's the difference between a duty solicitor and own solicitor in Kent?
A duty solicitor is the solicitor on-call for that day/night. An 'own solicitor' is one you specifically request. Robert Cashman can act in either capacity – as duty solicitor when on the rota, or as your specifically requested solicitor at any time.
Do you cover Dartford police matters?
Yes. Dartford falls under North Kent custody arrangements, with detainees typically taken to Gravesend Police Station. We provide full coverage for Dartford arrests and voluntary interviews.
What experience do you have with Kent police stations?
Robert Cashman has over 35 years of criminal defence experience handling 21,000+ cases, including extensive work at every Kent custody suite. As a former Practice Director and Higher Court Advocate, he brings director-level expertise to police station representation.
Need a Police Station Duty Solicitor in Kent?
Extended Hours Service across all Kent custody suites. FREE legal advice under Legal Aid.