Help at the Police Station

If you are suspected of involvement in a crime you are entitled to free legal advice at the police station. This page explains how to obtain help from Sills & Betteridge in Lincoln

How does it start?

There are several ways in which suspects are interviewed.

• You may be arrested by the police and taken to the police station.
• You may be asked to attend voluntarily for interview.
• You may be asked to attend the police station as a witness but find that the police want to interview you as a suspect.

You can always tell if you are being interviewed as a suspect because you will be cautioned.

What are my rights to be represented?

Anyone interviewed at a police station as a suspect, whether voluntarily or under arrest has the right to free independent legal advice regardless of means and regardless of the nature of the alleged offence.

How do I get representation?

If you know in advance that you are going to be interviewed at a police station we can arrange for a representative of this firm to attend with you. If the interview is to take place out of the area we may arrange for a competent local solicitor to represent you.

If you are arrested without prior warning in Lincoln or the surrounding area you should immediately inform the police that you wish Sills & Betteridge to advise you. The police are able to contact us day or night. On the rare occasions when we are not able to attend, the independent duty solicitor can give immediate advice. If you are arrested in another part of the country a police station duty solicitor can provide immediate advice and then if a court case is to follow we can discuss the best way for you to be represented.

Why do I need representation?

• To protect your rights.
• To make sure the interview is conducted fairly.
• To advise you on all issues of law and evidence
• To advise you whether it is in your interests to answer questions.

Many people think that because they are innocent they do not need a solicitor. That is wrong. Your innocence may not be obvious to the police.

Whether you know that you are innocent or believe that you are guilty you should not agree to be interviewed by the police without having first had legal advice no matter how minor or straightforward the alleged offence may appear to be.