Why local matters
Kent has a number of custody suites operated by Kent Police, each with its own routines, layout, and procedural quirks. A solicitor who works across the Kent custody estate every week understands those routines — which speeds disclosure, smooths consultation, and avoids the small delays that, in custody, accumulate into hours.
Coverage is provided at the principal Kent custody suites, including:
- Medway custody suite (Gillingham) — serving Gillingham, Chatham, Rochester, Strood and surrounding areas.
- Maidstone / North Kent custody — serving Maidstone, West Malling, and Medway overflow.
- Margate custody suite — serving Margate, Ramsgate, Broadstairs and Thanet.
- Folkestone custody suite — serving Folkestone, Dover, Ashford and the south Kent coast.
- Tonbridge custody suite — serving Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks and West Kent.
- Voluntary interviews at any Kent station, by appointment.
Who this service is for
This service is strictly for people who need a criminal defence solicitor for a police interview under caution, and for those arranging representation on their behalf. Specifically:
- People in police custody awaiting interview.
- People invited to a voluntary interview under caution.
- Family members or representatives acting on their behalf.
It is not a service for general police enquiries, case-progress questions, or third-party reports. For those, contact Kent Police directly.
What free legal advice covers
Under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, free, independent legal advice at the police station is available to anyone being interviewed under caution. There is no means test. The advice covers:
- Reviewing disclosure provided by the investigating officer.
- Private consultation, protected by legal professional privilege.
- Strategic advice on whether to answer questions, give a prepared statement, or remain silent.
- Attendance throughout the interview itself.
- Representations on charge, bail, conditions, and release.
Typical Kent allegations covered
The full range of police-station work is covered, including:
- Assault and public order offences
- Drug possession and supply allegations
- Theft, burglary and robbery
- Sexual offences (including historic allegations)
- Domestic abuse allegations
- Driving offences requiring interview (e.g. dangerous driving, fail-to-stop)
- Fraud and dishonesty offences
- Knife and weapons offences
For complex specialist matters, instruction can include input from wider specialist counsel where appropriate.
How to arrange representation
- Use the contact form and select the option that best describes your situation.
- For active custody attendance, please call directly rather than waiting for an email reply — time matters.
- If you are instructing on behalf of a relative, have their full name, date of birth, and custody location ready.
- On accepting instruction, the custody suite is notified and attendance is arranged.
For instructing firms
If you are a criminal defence solicitor based outside Kent who needs reliable agent cover at a Kent custody suite or voluntary interview, please see the dedicated solicitor agent cover page. The request route, expectations, and reporting standards are different for B2B instructions, and the form is set up to suit firms.
Plain-English summary
If you, or someone you act for, is being interviewed under caution at any police station in Kent — custody or voluntary — you are entitled to a free, independent solicitor. Use the contact form, give the basic details, and representation will be arranged.