Why instruct me for police station work in Kent?
I'm Robert Cashman, a duty solicitor. I go to Kent custody suites and voluntary interview rooms myself, and I don't work for the police. When you instruct me, every word we discuss in the consultation room is for your benefit alone. I have over 30 years in criminal law, and I've been a solicitor since 2001. I'm accredited for police station work. I cover custody at Medway, North Kent, Canterbury, Folkestone, Margate and Tonbridge, and voluntary interviews at Maidstone, Sittingbourne, Swanley, Bluewater, Ashford, Sevenoaks, Dover and Tunbridge Wells. I work days, evenings, weekends and bank holidays, depending on the case. Advice at a police interview under caution is free under legal aid and isn't means-tested.
What you get when I attend
I turn up in person. I read the disclosure the custody officer or interviewing officer provides, take your instructions in private, and we agree a strategy before anyone presses record. That might be answering questions, handing in a prepared statement, or going no comment, but it's always your decision once you understand the risks.
You also get someone who knows Kent stations: where the consultation rooms are, how local custody teams run reviews, and which voluntary suites still operate after custody closures. That practical knowledge saves time when the clock is running.
Legal aid and independence
If the police interview you under caution at a station or elsewhere, my advice is free under legal aid. It isn't means-tested, so nobody faces questions alone because of money worries.
I practise through Tuckers Solicitors LLP (SRA number 592449), and I'm individually regulated by the SRA as a solicitor. I also hold the duty solicitor accreditation. You're instructing a regulated solicitor, not an unregulated middleman.
Days, evenings, weekends and bank holidays across Kent
Arrests and voluntary appointments don't respect office hours. I cover evenings, weekends and bank holidays because that is when families panic and mistakes get made in interview.
I cover police stations within about 45 minutes of Maidstone. I can go further, up to an hour each way, if you don't mind waiting a bit longer for me to arrive. If another rep is closer for a firm's job, I'll say so. I'd rather you have a lawyer quickly than wait for me.
Court continuity if you're charged
I'm a Higher Court Advocate, but at the police station my job is to protect you at the first critical stage. If you're charged, the case transfers to court representation through Tuckers with my attendance note so the next lawyer isn't starting blind.
If you're a member of the public, you can ask for me by name when the custody desk calls the Defence Solicitor Call Centre. If you're a defence firm, you get a full typed attendance note as a PDF and a VAT invoice by email.
How to instruct me
Use the request form on this site for voluntary interviews, or the custody pathway if someone is detained now. Have the station name, custody number if known, and the offence type ready.
I'll tell you straight if I can't attend in time and what to do instead. Usually that means insisting on your right to free legal advice and waiting for the assigned solicitor rather than speaking without anyone present.
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.