Police Interview

If you are arrested by the police ask that Chris Stevenson Solicitors be contacted immediately. We will make contact with the police as soon as we are made aware of your arrest, to try and ensure that you spend the shortest possible time in custody. One of our team members will attend and advise you free of charge.

If the police contact you requesting you undertake a voluntary interview (PACE 9) at the police station or at home, you should contact us immediately to arrange representation. This may be described by the investigating officer as a “quick chat” but it is not; it is a police interview where you are being treated as a suspect.

The answers you give in police interview can often define the outcome of the investigation and proper representation and advice can achieve the best possible outcome.

Chris Stevenson Solicitors have dealt with investigations involving the police, HMRC, DWP, RSPCA and more. We have travelled all over the country to advise and assist clients in custody and voluntary interviews. 

Remember advice in an investigation by the police is always free and costs you nothing, no matter your financial situation.

Ask for Chris Stevenson Solicitors before you are interviewed, do not regret it by leaving it too late. 

DON’T ASK FOR THE DUTY SOLICITOR, ASK FOR CHRIS STEVENSON SOLICITORS.

Police Interview questions:

Why do I need a solicitor at the police station? 

Most people are unfamiliar with the criminal justice system. After the interview an unrepresented client will often say us, “I didn’t ask for a solicitor because I didn’t want to appear guilty”. 

YOU ARE ENTITLED TO ASK FOR A SOLICITOR FREE OF CHARGE. Asking for a solicitor is not an admission of guilt. We are there to help and advise you in order to achieve the best available outcome in your case. We do not work for the police, we work for you. We are independent and our role is to help you, not the police.

I didn’t ask for a solicitor because the police told me I would be waiting a long time?

We will not keep you waiting at the police station.

If you require legal advice at the Police Station, as soon as you arrive you should insist that Chris Stevenson Solicitors are contacted by the police. We will then make contact with the police, speak with you and do everything we can to ensure you are dealt with as quickly as possible. 

We are available and there for you 24/7.

You are entitled to a Solicitor, free of charge, including voluntary interviews. These can take place by the roadside, at your house or at the police station. 

How long will I be in the police station? 

The police can arrest you and detain in custody for up to 24 hours. In certain circumstances if the police wish to extend their investigation, they can seek an extension of 12 hours to your detention. 

In very serious investigations the police may wish to keep you beyond the 36 hour period. In order to do this the police have to apply to a Magistrates Court for a warrant of further detention to keep you, beyond the maximum 36 hours. 

We at Chris Stevenson Solicitors know that time spent in the police station can be stressful. We will work to ensure that the time spent at the station is as short as possible. 

I didn’t have a solicitor at my interview, can I have one after I’ve been bailed? 

If you were interviewed by the police without a solicitor, we can still take your case on and legal advice at the police station will still be free of charge.

Do not hesitate to contact us if you did not have a solicitor in the police station or are dissatisfied with your current representation.

I’m going to be interviewed by HRMC, the RSPCA or the DWP, what should I do?

HMRC, the DWP and RSPCA will often interview suspects under caution as they both investigate and prosecute criminal offenses. We can provide free legal advice in relation to these types of investigation, however we must complete a Legal Aid assessment prior to any interview.