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Being arrested or finding out there’s a warrant in your name can be distressing and confusing. Whether you’ve been taken to a police station or you're worried about a missed court date, knowing your rights—and what to expect—can make all the difference. This guide focuses on police warrants and interviews in Kent  and outlines what happens at the police station, including Fail to Appear warrants , custody procedures, and when you need to request legal representation . 🧾 What Is a Police Warrant in Kent? A police warrant  is an official document issued by a magistrate or judge . It authorises the police to take one or more of the following actions: Arrest an individual Search a home, car, or business Seize property or evidence Warrants are issued when the court believes there's reasonable suspicion that an offence has been committed , and police action is necessary to progress the case. 📈 In 2022, more than 300,000 arrest warrants were issued across England and Wales. 🛑 What Happens If You're Arrested in Kent? If you're arrested in Kent , the police will take you to a local police station—usually the closest to where the arrest occurred. Common stations include: Medway Maidstone Canterbury Folkestone North Kent (Gravesend) Tonbridge or Margate(depending on staffing) 🏢 What Happens at the Police Station? – The Booking-In Process Once you're brought to the custody suite, the custody sergeant  oversees a formal booking process. This is governed by PACE (Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984) . Here's what to expect: 🔹 Step 1: Legal Review and Risk Assessment The custody officer confirms: Whether the arrest is lawful Any health, welfare, or safety risks Whether you are vulnerable (e.g. under 18, mental health, learning difficulties) 🔹 Step 2: Recording Your Personal Details Officers will take your: Full name Date of birth Address Nationality They will also log the time and location of arrest  and the reason for your detention . 🔹 Step 3: Your Legal Rights Explained You will be told: You have the right to free legal advice You can have someone informed of your arrest You have the right to see the PACE Codes of Practice You may be asked to sign a form to confirm your rights were explained. 🔹 Step 4: Searches and Seizure of Property You may be searched, and officers will remove and log your belongings (wallet, phone, watch, etc). Items considered evidence may be kept. 🔹 Step 5: Biometric Processing You may have the following taken: Photograph (mugshot) Fingerprints (scanned electronically) DNA sample (usually a cheek swab) 🔹 Step 6: Interview Under Caution You may be interviewed under caution. Anything you say can be used as evidence.➡️ This is the most important stage where you must have legal advice. 🚨 What Is a “Fail to Appear” (FTA) Warrant? A Fail to Appear (FTA)  or bench warrant  is issued by the court when you miss a scheduled hearing  without a valid excuse. It is a criminal offence under the Bail Act 1976 . In Kent, the court may instruct police to: Arrest you at home or work Use forced entry  if the warrant allows Transport you to a police station or directly to court ⚠️ Consequences of an FTA Warrant You may be held overnight  or over the weekend if court is closed Bail may be revoked You may be remanded in custody It could affect the outcome of your case Failing to appear without a valid excuse is taken very seriously by the courts. 🚫 Resisting Arrest: Know the Risks If you resist arrest—physically or verbally—you may face further charges, such as: Obstructing police Assaulting a constable Attempting to evade justice 📊 Research shows resisting arrest can increase sentence length by 15% on average. Stay calm. Comply with officers. Exercise your legal rights through a solicitor, not confrontation. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 What If a Loved One Is Arrested in Kent? If someone you care about is arrested, it’s natural to panic. But here’s how you can help: Stay calm  and focused Call Kent police stations  to find out where they’re being held Encourage them to ask for a solicitor Be available for support  after their release or interview You may not be told why they’ve been arrested, but police can usually confirm which station they’re in. 📌 Who We Can Help – Important Service Information We are a Kent-based police station legal support service . Here’s how we work: ✅ We can help you  if: You’re being interviewed at a police station in Kent You’ve been arrested or invited to a voluntary interview under caution You do not already have a solicitor ❌ We cannot help  if: You already have a solicitor on record You’re outside of the Kent area If your matter proceeds to court, we have trusted links with local legal aid solicitors in Kent  who may represent you if you’re eligible. 📞 Need Help at a Kent Police Station? If you’ve been arrested or asked to attend a voluntary interview in Kent, get in touch now. Early legal advice can protect your rights and prevent serious mistakes. 👉 Visit our homepage: Police Station Agent – Legal Support in Kent

Understanding Duty Solicitors in England and Wales Hello to our readers in England and Wales! Today, we'll delve deep into the world of 'duty solicitors', understanding their role in police stations, courts, and the entire legal process. We'll also help dispel some myths surrounding them. 1. Police Station Duty Solicitor: A police station duty solicitor is a lawyer who provides free legal advice and assistance to individuals detained at a police station. This is a crucial phase, as what transpires in a police station can significantly impact the outcome of your case. What do they do? They offer advice on your rights while in detention. They can attend police interviews to ensure you are treated fairly and legally. They can help you understand the allegations against you. 2. Court Duty Solicitor: A court duty solicitor, on the other hand, provides legal representation for defendants in magistrates' courts who don’t have a solicitor of their own. What do they do? They advise and represent individuals at preliminary hearings. They can communicate on your behalf, argue bail applications, and help you navigate the early stages of court proceedings. 3. Are they free? Yes, both police station duty solicitors and court duty solicitors provide their services free of charge. They are funded by the Legal Aid Agency. 4. Are they in league with the police? No, duty solicitors are independent legal professionals. Their primary duty is to their client (you), not the police or prosecution. 5. Why should you have one? At the police station: Anything you say during an interview can be used as evidence against you. Having legal advice ensures you're aware of your rights and can navigate the process without inadvertently self-incriminating. In court: The legal system can be complex. A duty solicitor helps you understand the process, ensuring your rights are protected. 6. Voluntary interviews: You're entitled to free legal advice even during voluntary police interviews. While you're not under arrest, the implications of the interview can still be serious. 7. Why have a solicitor in court? It's beneficial to have professional representation to guide you through the court process, argue on your behalf, and ensure you receive a fair trial. 8. Can you have your own solicitor? Absolutely! While the duty solicitor is there to help if you don’t have your own representation, you're always allowed to hire a private solicitor or use one you've used previously. 9. Payment for your own solicitor: If you choose your own solicitor: At the police station: Your rights to free legal advice still stand. You can instruct your own who will be paid by the Legal Aid Agency. In court: Depending on your financial circumstances, you may qualify for legal aid to cover the costs. Otherwise, you might have to pay privately. Conclusion: The duty solicitor system in England and Wales ensures that individuals are not left without legal representation in crucial situations. If ever in doubt or feeling overwhelmed by the legal system, remember that these professionals are there to guide and support you, always acting in your best interest. This article is written by Robert Cashman, a practicing criminal solicitor with a national firm of Criminal Solicitors. It does not purport to be a exact statement of English law but for guidance only and you should always get independent legal advice about your specific situation. Robert can be contacted via   https://www.policestationagent.com/

In England and Wales, police officers use the police caution as a verbal statement delivered to a suspect when they are arrested or interviewed. The police caution advises the suspect of their legal rights and the potential consequences of remaining silent or providing false information to the police. This webpage aims to provide an overview of the police caution and its significance in criminal law. What is a police caution? The police caution is a statement delivered by a police officer to a suspect who is under arrest or being interviewed as a voluntary attendee. The caution wording is standardized and typically reads: "You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence." The purpose of the police caution is to ensure that the suspect understands their legal rights and the potential consequences of their actions. What are the legal rights of a suspect? Upon arrest, a suspect has several legal rights, including: The right to remain silent: A suspect has the right to remain silent and not incriminate themselves. They do not have to answer any questions or make any statements if they do not want to. The right to legal representation: A suspect has the right to have a solicitor present during questioning or to consult with a solicitor before answering any questions. The right to medical attention: A suspect has the right to medical attention if they need it. The right to inform someone: A suspect has the right to inform someone of their arrest and whereabouts. What are the consequences of ignoring the police caution? If a suspect ignores the police caution and provides false information to the police, or fails to mention anything which they later rely on in court, it may harm their defence. This is because their credibility may be called into question, and their defence may be weakened, as they failed to disclose relevant information or provide truthful answers during the investigation. Additionally, any statements made by the suspect may be admissible as evidence in court, which can be used against them in a prosecution. Conclusion In conclusion, the police caution is a crucial element of the criminal justice process in England and Wales. It ensures that a suspect understands their legal rights and the consequences of their actions. Suspects should pay close attention to the caution and seek legal advice if they are unsure about their rights or how to proceed. By understanding the police caution, suspects can help protect their legal interests, and ensure that they receive a fair and just trial. This article is written by Robert Cashman, a practicing criminal solicitor with a national firm of Criminal Solicitors. It does not purport to be a exact statement of English law but for guidance only and you should always get independent legal advice about your specific situation. Robert can be contacted via   https://www.policestationagent.com/

Medway Police Station, Purser Way, Gillingham ME7 1NE < Back Police Station Reps - Medway Police Station Medway Police Station, Purser Way, Gillingham ME7 1NE Medway Police Station 01622 690690 We Cover Medway Police Station How do i find out about someone who has been arrested in england and held in custody at a police station if they are over 18? Finding out information about an individual who has been arrested and is being held in custody at a police station in England can be complicated, mainly due to privacy and confidentiality regulations. As a rule, the police usually do not disclose information about a person in custody to anyone not directly involved, such as a lawyer, social worker, or immediate family, unless they have the consent of the individual in custody. There are exceptions for certain scenarios, such as safeguarding issues, or if there is a legitimate concern for the individual's wellbeing. Here are a few ways you may be able to get information: Direct Contact from the Individual: If you're a close friend or family member, the person arrested is usually given an opportunity to make a phone call. They may choose to contact you and inform you of their situation. Legal Representative: If you're in contact with the person's solicitor or legal representative, they may be able to share some information about the individual's situation, provided they have the necessary permissions. Please note without that permission they cannot share anything. Custody Visitor Scheme: This is a scheme where volunteers can visit police stations to check on the welfare of detainees. However, they can't disclose information about individual detainees to the public. Contact the Police: In certain circumstances, and if you have a legitimate reason, you may contact the local police directly for information. They will decide what information can be disclosed based on various factors, including the person's rights, the impact on any ongoing investigations, and the reason for your enquiry. The default position is however other than confirming that they may be there they will disclose nothing further. Previous Next If your client needs legal representation at a police station in Kent please call us on 01732 247427

Thames Way Northfleet Gravesend Kent DA11 1BD < Back Police Station Reps - North Kent Police Station Thames Way Northfleet Gravesend Kent DA11 1BD North Kent Police Station 01622 690690 We Cover North Kent Police Station The Importance of a Police Station Representative at North Kent Police Station At North Kent Police Station, we understand that facing legal issues can be challenging and overwhelming. Our skilled police station representatives and criminal solicitors are here to guide and support you through every step of the process. Whether you've been arrested, detained, or simply require legal advice, having an experienced legal representative by your side is crucial to ensuring the best possible outcome. In this article, we'll discuss the various circumstances where you might need a police station representative and the benefits of having a solicitor present during a police interview. Circumstances Requiring Legal Representation: Arrest: If you've been arrested, a police station representative can help safeguard your rights by ensuring that the arresting officers adhere to proper procedures and respect your legal entitlements. Detention: During detention, a legal representative can provide advice on your rights, make sure the police follow correct procedures, and assist with any issues that may arise during your time in custody. Voluntary Interview: If you're attending a police station for a voluntary interview, it's crucial to have a solicitor present to ensure your rights are protected and you receive appropriate legal guidance. Criminal Investigation: If you're under investigation for a criminal offence, an experienced solicitor can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system, providing essential advice and representation. Benefits of a Solicitor during a Police Interview: Safeguarding Your Rights: A solicitor ensures that your legal rights are upheld throughout the interview process, preventing any potential breaches that could negatively impact your case. Legal Guidance: Having a legal representative present ensures that you understand the implications of the questions asked and how best to respond, minimizing any potential risks to your case. Emotional Support: Facing a police interview can be intimidating, but having a solicitor by your side can provide invaluable reassurance and support, helping to ease any anxiety you may experience. Critical Scenarios and the Importance of Experienced Legal Representation: In critical situations, such as being arrested or detained, having an experienced legal representative can significantly impact the outcome of your case. A knowledgeable solicitor will: Ensure that all procedures are followed correctly, preventing any potential issues from arising due to procedural errors. Provide essential legal advice and guidance throughout the process, helping you make informed decisions. Advocate on your behalf, presenting your case in the best possible light and fighting for your rights. Conclusion: In summary, having a skilled police station representative or criminal solicitor by your side at North Kent Police Station can be invaluable in safeguarding your legal rights and achieving the best possible outcome in your case. Previous Next If your client needs legal representation at a police station in Kent please call us on 01732 247427

Dover Police Station, Ladywell, Dover CT16 1DJ < Back Police Station Reps - Dover Police Station Dover Police Station, Ladywell, Dover CT16 1DJ Dover Police Station 01622 690690 We Cover Dover Police Station Understanding Police Interviews in England and Wales If the police suspect that someone has committed a crime, they will often request an interview with the suspect. In England and Wales, the police are obligated to follow certain laws and guidelines when conducting these interviews. It is essential to understand these procedures if you ever find yourself in a police interview. This blog post will explore why the police interview suspects, how they conduct interviews, and the legal rights of suspects. We will also discuss the PEACE model and PACE guidelines and how legal representation can help suspects during police interviews. Why do the police interview suspects? Police officers interview suspects to gather evidence and ascertain whether or not they have committed a crime. They also use police interviews as an opportunity to eliminate suspects from an investigation. If someone is suspected of committing a crime, they may be asked to come to the police station for an interview. In some cases, the police may arrest a suspect before an interview. In either scenario, suspects have a legal right to remain silent, and anything they say may be used against them in court. How do the police conduct interviews? In England and Wales, the police are bound by the PACE (Police and Criminal Evidence) guidelines when conducting interviews. These guidelines were introduced to ensure that suspects receive fair treatment during investigations. PACE requires the police to inform suspects of their rights before an interview and provide access to legal representation. During the interview, the police must use the PEACE model - planning and preparation, engage and explain, account clarity and challenge, closure, and evaluation. What is the PEACE model? The PEACE model is a structure used by the police when interviewing suspects. It is designed to maintain a fair and consistent approach throughout the interview process. The PEACE model includes planning and preparation, engaging and explaining, account clarity and challenge, closure, and evaluation. During the interview process, the police must follow the PEACE model guidelines to ensure that the interview is conducted properly. How can a solicitor/legal representative help you in a police interview? It is essential to have legal representation during a police interview. A solicitor or legal representative can help suspects understand their rights and advise them on how to answer questions during an interview. They can also assist in raising concerns if they believe a suspect is being treated unfairly. Legal representation is essential to ensure that suspects receive fair treatment during police interviews. Is legal representation free in police interviews in England and Wales? Legal representation during a police interview In Englan and Wales is free if you are interviewed by the police and suspected of a criminal offence. You can instruct a Criminal solicitor that has a contract with the Legal Aid Agency to represent suspects at police stations or ask the police to get in contact with the duty solicitor on the day. Either services are free of charge however long you are at the police station for. What are the rights of suspects arrested and detained by the police in England and Wales? Suspects have various rights when arrested and detained by the police. They have the right to remain silent, the right to legal representation, and the right to medical attention. If a suspect is detained, they must be informed of the reason for their detention, and their detention must be reviewed regularly. They also have the right to request food and drink and to use the toilet facilities. Conclusion: Understanding the police interview process is crucial if you ever find yourself in a suspecting position. The police interview procedure is designed to ensure that suspects are treated fairly throughout the interview process. The PEACE model and PACE guidelines are critical components of the police interview process and ensure consistent application of the law. It is also important to remember that legal representation during a police interview is essential to ensure that suspects receive fair treatment. Suspects have legal rights when arrested and detained by the police, and it is essential to know them to help protect yourself in case of an encounter with the police. Previous Next If your client needs legal representation at a police station in Kent please call us on 01732 247427