Advice at the police station

If you are arrested for a crime you are suspected of committing or have been asked to attend an interview at a police station on a voluntary basis, you have the right to free and independent legal advice (legal aid) at the police station. If you have been arrested, the police have to tell you about your right to this free advice before they begin questioning you.

Choose your solicitor when you have been arrested

Duty solicitors are available at all police stations, but in order to get the best possible advice and outcome, it’s important to ask the police to contact a specialist criminal lawyer at Purcell Parker. What you say and do in the initial stages of being arrested is crucial as it will affect what happens with your case, including whether any criminal charges are brought against you. Our expertise as one of the top law firms in Birmingham city centre means that having us on your side gives you the best chance of achieving the most positive possible outcome.

24 hour solicitors

At Purcell Parker our 24 hour solicitors and accredited police station representatives are available 365 days a year to provide expert advice and assistance to clients detained at the police station. Our ability to react quickly means we can ensure that you are not detained in a custody suite for any longer than is necessary.
After your arrest the police reserve the right to hold you for 24 hours before they have to charge you with a crime or release you. This can be extended to 36 or 96 hours if you are suspected of a serious crime such as murder. If you’re being held under the Terrorism Act, you can be detained without charge for up to 14 days.

Legal representation for voluntary interviews at the police station

Due to the pressures of limited resources that the police face, custody suites are often full and short staffed. Due to this, if the offence the police wish to speak to you about is less serious or relates to historical allegations, you may be invited for an interview under caution at the police station at a pre-arranged time.

Always call your own solicitor

At this point, you are not under arrest, but the interview will be recorded and take place under caution, meaning that anything you say can be later used in evidence in any criminal proceedings. Because of this, it’s essential that you protect your interests by contacting Purcell Parker as soon as the police get in touch with you. Remember your rights to free legal advice are the same for a voluntary interview as they are if you are arrested.
The police do not have to prove legal representation was provided for a voluntary interview, so again, it’s crucial for to you to initiate it to protect your interests and make sure you get the best professional advice possible.

Putting your interests first from the start

The criminal defence solicitors at Purcell Parker can guide you through every step of the police station interview process, beginning with liaising with the police to arrange a date and time for the interview. Attending a voluntary police interview can be a daunting experience, especially if it’s your first experience of it. To prepare you, we can meet you outside of working hours to discuss what to expect at the police station and the details of your case.

 
Close up of police car at a police station

Police station advice is only a call away

If you are suspected of a crime, contact the expert criminal law team at Purcell Parker on 0121 236 9781 for free and confidential advice 24 hours a day.

Further reading:

If the police want to interview in connection with a crime by placing you under arrest or on a voluntary basis, you are entitled to free legal representation at your first interview. For an experienced expert on your side, contact Purcell Parker.