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Do I Need a Solicitor For a Police Interview?


Having an interview with the police is an understandably daunting time, and whatever the reason may be that you have been called to the police station for an interview, it is strongly advised that you have legal representation.

After receiving notice that you need to attend the police station for an interview, is vital that you contact us as soon as possible to discuss your circumstances.

Why is it advised to have a solicitor present at a police interview?

Criminal prosecutions will usually begin at the Police Station, it is therefore important that you have access to expert legal advice, as any decisions made during interviews could have a decisive effect upon the outcome of the investigation.

When you have the benefit of legal advice at your interview, the investigators will provide our representative with ‘disclosure’, outlining the reasons they wish to interview you. You will then have the opportunity to discuss this in private with your solicitor prior to the interview. It will allow you to understand how the investigators think you have committed a crime, and discuss any information or evidence that contradicts this.

What happens if I don’t have a solicitor present during my police interview?

Navigating the extent of a police interview can be difficult when you are alone, regardless of whether you have been interviewed before or if this is your first time.

In many cases the police will be happy to begin interviewing you without a solicitor, but it is strongly advised that you request a legal expert to be present with you, ensuring you have someone in the room who is on your side.

It is common for people to believe that they do not require legal representation due to the allegation being minor, however, a police questioning can take a number of directions. It is therefore recommended that you have a solicitor with you during your interview.

Funding

At the police station you are entitled to free initial legal advice and representation under Legal Aid. Speak to us today to find out more.

We can also act on a private paying basis across the country.

How we can help

At Elliot Mather, our dedicated Criminal team offer friendly and professional advice. We understand that going through the criminal procedure is distressing for all concerned.

Our team are experienced in representing clients who have been alleged to have committed a broad range of crimes. It is vital that you contact us as soon as possible to discuss your circumstances.

Location 

Our Solicitors are able to provide expert advice across the country with a network of offices based in: Chesterfield, Nottingham, Mansfield and Derby.

How to get in contact 

Our team are on hand to help you and can assist wherever you are based. Please call us on 0330 333 2613 for a no-obligation, initial discussion or email enquiries@elliotmather.co.uk and we will call or email you back.

How to make contact out of hours 

We operate a call out system, meaning that representation from our expert criminal law team can be requested at any time of the day or night.  The police will contact a call centre who will then telephone us immediately.

If you require assistance from one of our criminal defence solicitors when out of our normal office hours, it is vital that you call us on:

  • Chesterfield: 07717802850
  • Derby: 07776240152
  • Mansfield: 07741592301
  • Nottinghamshire: 07741592301

staffMember

Felicity Coats

LLP Member

Felicity is an Solicitor and LLP Member within the firm having joined the Firm in 2006.  She completed her law degree at Sheffield Hallam University in the 2005 and her Legal Practice Course at Chester Law School in 2006. 

Felicity is based in our Derby Office and her main duties include providing advice and assistance at the Magistrates Court for a full range of offences.  In addition to this Felicity provides advice and assistance to anyone attending for a police interview at under caution in Derbyshire and beyond.  This cover is not only provided in office hours but also evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays. 

Felicity has helped clients with a range of driving offences before the Magistrates Court to providing assistance on Murder cases at the Police station and Crown Court. 

Felicity is the first port of call for all new clients at the Derby office and will give honest and sensible advice to those who are faced with difficult and stressful situations using her wealth of experience within the local Courts and Police Stations.  

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