Last reviewed by Robert Cashman, solicitor:
Defence solicitor · Kent · not the police
Private clients: police interview representation in Kent
I'm Robert Cashman. Most people I see use free legal aid at the police station. Private instruction is for you if you want me personally — preparation before the interview, attendance myself (not the duty rota), and follow-through to court if you're charged. I don't work for the police. For Kent Police, use 999 or 101.
These private fees cover the police interview only. Any Magistrates' or Crown Court work is charged separately and confirmed in writing first.
Instruct me privately (click to show the number)
Not Kent Police. For the police call 999 or 101.
Prefer email? robertcashman@defencelegalservices.co.uk
Free legal aid comes first
Advice at a police interview under caution is always available under legal aid. It is not means-tested — whether you've been arrested or attend a voluntary interview. You should never skip a solicitor because you worry about cost.
Private instruction is a choice: you pay for me personally when you want that, or when legal aid doesn't cover a particular attendance. I'll tell you honestly which applies before you commit.
Private fees (Kent)
Fixed fee confirmed in writing before attendance.
| Matter | Fee |
|---|---|
| Straightforward voluntary interview in Kent | From £500 + VAT, plus disbursements, mileage and parking |
| Serious or complex (custody, multiple offences, lengthy disclosure, etc.) | Quoted individually (typically £500–£750 + VAT), plus disbursements, mileage and parking where applicable |
Straightforward voluntary interview in Kent: from £500 + VAT, plus disbursements, mileage and parking. Serious or complex matters: quoted individually (typically £500–£750 + VAT).
Compare with fees and legal aid.
What's included
- Consultation before the interview and advice after
- Requesting disclosure from the interviewing officer where I can
- Attendance at the police interview under caution with you
- Travel within Kent as part of the quoted fee discussion (disbursements, mileage and parking are extra as set out in your written quote)
Not included unless quoted
- Magistrates' or Crown Court representation (unless separately quoted)
- Police stations outside Kent (discussed case by case)
- Interpreters, experts or other disbursements (quoted separately when needed)
How it works
Contact me
Call (click to show the number), email, or use the voluntary interview request form. Say you want private instruction and have the interview time, station and offence summary ready.
Written fee
I conflict-check, then confirm a fixed fee in writing before I attend. Serious or complex matters are quoted individually, still in writing and up front.
Disclosure and preparation
I contact the interviewing officer, request disclosure, and advise you in private before the interview. We agree a plan before you sit down.
Attend the interview
I attend with you, protect your rights, and advise after the interview on bail, NFA, or charge.
Who you get
You get Robert Cashman personally — not a name on a duty rota. I prepare your case and attend the interview myself.
- Solicitor admitted 15 January 2001
- Duty solicitor from 2002
- LAA Criminal Supervisor from 2004
- Higher Court Advocate from 2011
- Personal SRA ID 190283 (see regulatory information)
I act as a solicitor at Tuckers Solicitors LLP (SRA number 592449). Police Station Agent is run by Defence Legal Services Ltd.
Before you attend
- Keep the police letter, card or email — note the date, time, station and officer if shown.
- Do not discuss the allegation with the police (or on social media) before you've had advice.
- Bring photo ID if you have it, any medication you need, and documents the police sent you.
- Arrange childcare or pet cover if you'll be at the station for several hours.
- Don't bring evidence you haven't discussed with a solicitor, and don't message witnesses from the car park.
Private client FAQ
Is the police station really free?
If you're interviewed under caution, legal advice at the station is free under legal aid. That is statutory and not means-tested. Private fees apply only if you choose private representation or if no legal aid category applies. I explain which before you commit.
Why pay privately if legal aid is free?
You get me personally — not whoever is on the duty rota — with preparation before the interview and follow-through to court if you're charged and instruct me privately. Some people don't qualify for legal aid for a particular attendance; others simply want a solicitor they've chosen.
Does VAT apply?
Yes. Private fees are quoted plus VAT unless I say otherwise in writing. Your written quote will show the fee and VAT clearly before you instruct me.
Can I ask for you by name on legal aid?
You can ask for me by name when the custody desk contacts the Defence Solicitor Call Centre. If two jobs clash and I can't get there, Tuckers Solicitors LLP can send another accredited representative, still free under legal aid.
Will you tell the police what I said?
No. Legal professional privilege protects our consultation. I only reveal what you authorise in interview or what is required by law.
What if I'm charged?
If you're charged after I've advised you at the police station, your case will generally go to Tuckers Solicitors LLP for the magistrates' court or Crown Court. If you instruct me privately, I can represent you at court myself. I also cover weekend, bank holiday and Christmas courts. Court funding is separate from police station legal aid.
What if legal aid applies after I've agreed a private fee?
If during the attendance it becomes clear legal aid applies, I'll explain switching so you don't pay unnecessarily.
Kent coverage
I attend custody at Medway (Gillingham), North Kent (Gravesend), Canterbury, Tonbridge, Folkestone and Margate, and voluntary interviews at Maidstone, Sittingbourne, Swanley, Bluewater, Ashford, Sevenoaks, Dover, Tunbridge Wells and Coldharbour (voluntary interviews for serious driving offences, such as causing death by dangerous driving). Maidstone custody is closed — voluntary interviews only there.
Availability: days, evenings, weekends and bank holidays — call early for East Kent (Canterbury, Margate, Folkestone, Dover).
Voluntary interview locations
Regulated firm and complaints
Legal services are provided through Tuckers Solicitors LLP (SRA number 592449). SRA register.
Complaints: Tuckers complaints procedure. Postal: Tuckers Solicitors LLP, Innovation Centre Medway, Maidstone Road, Chatham, Kent ME5 9FD.
Office addresses of Tuckers Solicitors LLP
- Tuckers Solicitors LLP – Chatham office
The Innovation Centre, Maidstone Road, Chatham, Kent ME5 9FD - Tuckers Solicitors LLP – Swanley office
29 High Street, Swanley, Kent BR8 8AE
Sources: SRA organisation record; tuckerssolicitors.com/contact.
General information only — not legal advice. While every care is taken to ensure what is stated is accurate and reflects current law and official guidance, errors may occur and the law changes. Do not rely on this page instead of advice from a qualified solicitor about your own situation. Legal services are provided through Tuckers Solicitors LLP (SRA number 592449) where applicable. If you believe something on this page is incorrect, please contact us and say you are reporting a content error.