Search Results

Introduction In the realm of criminal justice, the role of a police station representative is crucial. They are the first line of legal defense for individuals who find themselves in police custody. This post will delve into the responsibilities and duties of a police station representative, shedding light on their significance in providing legal advice during criminal proceedings. Understanding the Role of a Police Station Representative A police station representative, sometimes also known as a duty solicitor, plays an integral part in ensuring that individuals' rights are upheld during their interactions with law enforcement. They provide legal representation to those detained or questioned by the police, ensuring that their clients understand their rights and are treated fairly throughout the process. The primary responsibility of a police station representative is to offer immediate legal advice to individuals held at the police station. This could be someone arrested on suspicion of committing a crime or someone voluntarily attending an interview under caution. Providing Legal Advice One of the key tasks performed by a police station representative is providing legal advice to clients. This involves explaining complex legal concepts in simple terms so that clients can make informed decisions about how they wish to proceed. The advice given by these representatives can cover various aspects, such as whether or not to answer questions during an interview, understanding charges brought against them, potential outcomes if charged with an offense, and possible defenses they could use in court. Moreover, they also advise on matters related to bail and conditions imposed upon release from custody. In essence, they guide individuals through every step of their journey through the criminal justice system. Ensuring Fair Criminal Proceedings Another critical aspect of what a police station representative does involves ensuring fair criminal proceedings. They play an instrumental role in safeguarding clients' rights during interviews under caution - whether these take place at a police station following arrest or elsewhere voluntarily. The representative will be present during these interviews, ensuring that the police conduct them in accordance with legal guidelines. They are there to intervene if they believe their client is being unfairly treated or if the police breach any rules during the interview process. In addition, police station representatives also liaise with the police on behalf of their clients. This can involve negotiating for their release, challenging any conditions imposed upon them, or even making representations about the appropriateness of certain charges. Providing Legal Representation Aside from offering legal advice and ensuring fair proceedings, a police station representative also provides legal representation for their clients. This means they act on behalf of their client in all interactions with law enforcement and other legal entities. They may represent their client during court proceedings, arguing on their behalf and presenting evidence to support their case. They also handle all paperwork related to the case, including preparing statements and gathering evidence. Conclusion In conclusion, a police station representative plays a pivotal role in navigating individuals through the complexities of criminal proceedings. From providing essential legal advice to ensuring fair treatment during interviews and representing clients in court, they are a crucial part of the justice system. Their work ensures that everyone has access to legal representation when they need it most - at the point when they come into contact with law enforcement. So whether you find yourself at a police station voluntarily or under arrest, understanding what a police station representative does can provide reassurance and clarity during an undoubtedly stressful time.

In order to get your property back after your release from Police detention in the Uk you need to follow these simple steps: Confirm with the investigating officer that the property is no longer needed as either an exhibit in a court case or that it needs to be retained for further investigation as to its ownership. Property that has been seized by the police will not be returned if it is needed as an exhibit or there is doubt as to your ownership. You will need to provide proof to the investigating officer that the property is actually yours. Generally the police will expect you to provide things like receipts etc if the item has been bought or some kind of proof that the item is legally yours. Please note that things like a V5 for a motor car is not proof of ownership and police will generally expect to see some kind of paper trail as to your ownership of the items concerned . You will need written confirmation from the investigating officer that the item (s) will be returned to you. Usually every police force have their own internal procedures. They can most often be found on the relevant police force's website. You will need the investigating officer's name, force number and telephone number if you wish to make any enquiries about it. Most UK police forces have a contact facility on their website. If not phone the police control room using 101 and they can usually leave a message for the investigating officer who will pick it up when he or she are next on shift. If you are not sure of the details look for any papers that you were given by the police when your were released i.e. bail paperwork. It will probably be on that. Be prepared for a wait Most UK police forces store property at a central location i.e. car pound or a property office. You will need to take any authority from the police officer and in some cases make an appointment in order to pick the property up. The police will only return the property if they can do so legally. If there is any doubt as to its ownership they will retain it. They will normally return the property to its registered owner and only if in doing so that person will not commit a criminal offence. I.e. if you are picking up a motor car they will expect to see your full driving licence and insurance as well as any registration documents. If you do not have a licence, do not have insurance or your documentation is not in order they will not release it to you Please note that if you simply turn up at the police station expecting your property to be returned to you there and then you are likely to be disappointed. Most police forces in the UK will not release property if they do not have a written authorisation from the officer in the case that it can be released . Do not expect your solicitor or legal representative to get the property back for you free of charge or do work you can easily do yourself. Criminal solicitors or legal representatives in England and Wales do not get paid by the legal aid agency to spend time to get property returned from the police in the uk. . With the paltry figure of legal aid funding being what it is any criminal solicitor in the UK can simply not afford to chase police officers to get your property back. Even if they do that property may then become subject to a statutory charge if you have signed legal aid forms . Most solicitors simply do not have time. Be prepared to go to court to get your property back Property can be seized using civil proceedings by the police. Usually this is done there will be a court hearing when you can make representations to the court as to why you should get that property back. This is a civil court matter and is not usually legally aided. You may also decide that you wish to make a complaint to the magistrates court regarding your property and issue proceedings. This is not covered by legal aid and would have to be paid for privately. If you need police station representation in Kent Contact police station agent on 01732 247427 Now!

If you ever find yourself interviewed by the police in the United Kingdom regarding sexual offences, one thing that might come up is the sex offender register. But what exactly is it? How do you get placed on it? What sort of offences can lead to placement on the register? And what are the requirements and consequences of being on it? In this blog post, we'll explore all these questions and more to help you better understand the sex offenders register in the UK. In the UK, the sex offender register is a register maintained by the police that contains the names and details of people convicted, cautioned, or released from prison for sexual offenses. This register was introduced in 1997 and since then, has been an important tool in protecting vulnerable members of society. The criteria for being placed on the sex offenders register differ depending on the age of the offender and their sentence. If someone has been convicted of a sexual offense, they will be placed on the register for a certain period of time. This can range from a minimum of 2 years to a maximum of a lifetime, depending on the offence committed. There are three levels of registration: standard, intermediate, and notification. Standard registration lasts for the period of the sentence given, up to a maximum of 10 years for those over 18 and up to 5 years for those under 18. Intermediate registration is for those who have committed a more serious offense or re-offended, and the duration is up to a maximum of 8 years for those over 18. Notification registration is for those whose offenses involve children and is a lifetime registration. What are the requirements? Once placed on the register, there are certain requirements that the offender must adhere to - including notifying authorities of their address, any job changes or travel plans, and allowing the police to come to their address at any time to check on them. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to serious consequences – including imprisonment. On registering with the police, an offender must provide specific information including: Their name (and any alias they may use) Their address and any other address where they stay Whether living with a child; or if staying in a household where a child lives for at least 12 hours a day Details of their conviction Details of bank accounts to which they have access Their date of birth Their national insurance number Details of any passports they may hold Sexual offenses that can lead to placement on the register include rape, sexual assault, indecent exposure, and possession of indecent images of children Can the public see the register? Get details of Offenders from it? The register isn’t public, but the police can and do share information with partner agencies when it’s necessary to safeguard children or other members of the public. How often must you re-register? At least annually or within 3 days of any of the above details changing. What happens if you don't register or re-register in time You may commit the offence of breach of your notification requirements. This is an offence that can be tried in either the Magistrates Court or Crown Court. The maximum penalty is 5 Years imprisonment. You may be arrested. Can you help me? If you are facing a police interview with regard to sexual offences or breach of sex offenders notification requirements in the Kent area and need representation at the police station when you are interviewed, free of charge please contact Robert Cashman of police station agent on 01732 247427.

< Back Police Station Reps - Folkestone Police Station Bouverie House, Bouverie Rd W, Folkestone CT20 2SG Folkestone Police Station 01622 690690 We Cover Folkestone Police Station How Long Can The Police Hold Someone In Custody? The police's powers of detention in England are primarily set out under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE), This Act sets out the guidelines the police must follow when arresting, detaining, questioning, and charging suspects. Length of Custody: A person can be held in police custody for up to 24 hours before they must be charged or released. Extension of Custody Period: In certain serious cases, this detention period can be extended. An officer of the rank of superintendent can extend the 24-hour period to 36 hours if they have reasonable grounds for believing the detention is necessary to secure or preserve evidence. The detention can be further extended to 96 hours if authorised by a Magistrates' Court. Grounds for Detention: A person can be detained if they are suspected of committing an offense and the police believe that detention is necessary to secure or preserve evidence relating to that offence or to obtain evidence by questioning the detainee. Authorisation: Initial detention is authorised by a custody officer at the police station. The decision to detain must be based on reasonable grounds. A higher ranking officer (a superintendent or above) or a Magistrates' Court may authorise extensions to the initial 24-hour period. Review: The detention of a suspect must be reviewed at regular intervals - the first review must be conducted within six hours of the original detention, and subsequent reviews must be conducted at intervals of no more than nine hours. The review of detention is done by an officer of the rank of inspector or above who is not directly involved in the investigation. Relevant Periods: The relevant periods for detention are as mentioned above: 24 hours (initial period), 36 hours (extended by a senior officer), and 96 hours (authorised by a Magistrates' Court). End of Detention: Detention comes to an end either when the police charge the person with an offence, the person is released without charge, or the relevant detention period expires. A person can also be released on police bail, which means they're free to leave but with conditions (for instance, they might have to return to the station on a particular date). Previous Next If your client needs legal representation at a police station in Kent please call us on 01732 247427

< Back Police Station Reps - Maidstone Police Station Maidstone Police Station Palace Avenue Maidstone ME15 6NF Maidstone Police Station 01622 690690 We Cover Maidstone Police Station Who decides in england if you are charged with a criminal offence? What is the Test? In England, the decision to charge someone with a criminal offence is typically made by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), not the police. The CPS is the principal public prosecuting agency for conducting criminal prosecutions in England and Wales. The CPS uses the Full Code Test, which is outlined in the Code for Crown Prosecutors, to decide whether someone should be charged with a crime. This test has two stages: the Evidential Stage and the Public Interest Stage. Evidential Stage: There must be enough evidence to provide a "realistic prospect of conviction" against each defendant on each charge. This means that a jury or bench of magistrates, properly directed in accordance with the law, is more likely than not to convict the defendant of the charge alleged. This is a purely objective test and involves no element of discretion. Public Interest Stage: Even if a case satisfies the evidential stage, prosecutors must decide if a prosecution is needed in the public interest. Most cases will be in the public interest. However, prosecutors must balance factors for and against prosecution carefully and fairly. Some common public interest factors that can affect the decision to prosecute include the seriousness of the offence, the level of culpability of the suspect, the circumstances of and harm caused to the victim, the suspect’s age or maturity (where relevant), the impact on the community, whether prosecution is a proportionate response, and whether sources of information require protecting. Both stages of the Full Code Test must be met for a prosecution to take place. If the case does not pass the Evidential Stage, it must not proceed, no matter how important or serious it may be. If the case does meet the Evidential Stage, then the Public Interest Stage must be considered. Previous Next If your client needs legal representation at a police station in Kent please call us on 01732 247427

Police Station Agent FAQ Find Out More POLICE STATION REP View More