If you are contacted by the police and asked to come down to the police station for questioning, call Royce Legals’ Police Station Solicitors so that we can assist you through the entire process.
If you have already been questioned in the absence of a solicitor and are called back to the station at a later date, we can still assist you. In the case that you are arrested and taken to the police station immediately, you will be offered the service of a solicitor on your arrival at the police station. You are entitled to choose a solicitor of your choice; we recommend you ask to call Royce Legal Solicitors as our Criminal Defence team is committed and armed with the right expertise to defend you.
We can also assist on your behalf if asked by a friend or family member if you are unexpectedly arrested and taken to the police station.
You can be questioned at the police station under two circumstances:
Either circumstance is a frightening experience regardless of whether the investigation pertains to a trivial or serious matter. When nervous, people tend to make mistakes – a formal investigation by the police often results in that. Your words can be misinterpreted, be vague and ambiguous or be half-truths and explanations. Likewise, sometimes you cannot get your point across and say things that are completely wrong but not entirely dishonest.
These issues at this stage of the criminal procedure are critical in making or breaking your case. The wrong words can be damaging, and their consequences are seen later on at trial. What may have been said at the time of your nervousness will look like an inconsistent account on your part or a lie in the courtroom setting.
Individuals questioned at the police station have several rights and protections. For instance, vulnerable and young people are allowed to be supported by another person that is deemed as a “proper adult” (Appropriate Adult). Proper adults are recognised as a caretaker, friend or a parent. The proper adult ensures that the young person understands the happenings alongside protecting the suspects’ welfare needs.
Interviews at the police station are recorded in terms of what you said and were made to do. The Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) states, an interview is “the questioning of a suspect as to their involvement or suspected involvement in an offence.”
The point of an interview is to gather evidence. Your answers to the questions are used as evidence against an individual in the case. This “evidence” can be a confession, or something said that can be used in court to refute allegations or claims against the suspect/defendant.
Regardless of the reason for questioning, every individual has the right to a consultation with a lawyer or a “Police Station Accredited Adviser” before formal questioning.
As experts in criminal defence, our solicitors gather as much information as they can concerning the investigation. It leads to a private discussion with the client to go through the allegations and the relevant legal issues about the case. Assistance here is just as important as at the formal interview. It will allow a semblance of order for the client and ensure they are not taken by surprise when being questioned. Our lawyers will advise on all legal options available to you in your current situation.
These options and decisions need to be considered carefully and require tact to handle the complex legalities. Therefore, the assistance of a properly experienced lawyer is imperative.
Royce Legal Solicitors have extensive experience when representing an individual at the police station. Our criminal defence team is dedicated to working out the best solution for you. We assist with interviews and advise on different stages of the investigations, including identification procedures and administrative cautions.
If you are contacted by the police for questioning, contact us at your earliest possible for expert representation and assistance at 01924 664177.
There is no definitive answer to this common question. The duration of the proceedings is dependent on many factors such as:
Before an individual can be questioned for suspicion of a crime, the police must provide reasonable grounds for suspicion. If this criterion is not met, a voluntary interview at a specified date and time may be scheduled instead of an arrest.
Evidence is required for conviction. With a lack of evidence, the police may decide on “No Further Action” (NFA). In more serious cases, the police may seek guidance from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). If the investigation cannot be concluded straight away, the suspect will likely be released under investigation (RUI) or police bail. Initially, the police can only bail a suspect for 28 days.
This is dependent on the case. Some cases require further witness statements, video interviews, or CCTV evidence. Likewise, mobile phones and computers may be examined for forensic evidence (DNA, fibre, or fingerprints) alongside analysis of suspected drugs.
Generally, only the least serious “summary” offences have strict time limits (usually 6 months). There are no time limits for “either way” or “indictable only” offences, which are more serious.
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