If you are arrested or asked to attend a police station, you have the right to free and independent legal advice. Our experienced team are available 24/7 to protect your rights from the very beginning.
OVERVIEW
Being arrested or invited to attend a police station can be a daunting and stressful experience. Whether you are under investigation or have been arrested, it is essential to have a accredited police station representative by your side.
We provide clear, practical advice, explain your rights and ensure you are treated fairly throughout the process. Our solicitors attend police stations across Norfolk and beyond, offering a fast and reliable service whenever you need us.
You have the right to free, independent legal advice.
If you are arrested or attend a police station for questioning, you have important legal rights and protections under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) and the PACE Codes of Practice.
You can ask to see a copy of the relevant PACE Code of Practice while you are at the police station.
Here are some of your rights:
1. The right to free legal advice
You have the right to speak to a solicitor privately and free of charge.
You can ask for LB Solicitors to represent you. You can speak to us on the telephone and when it is time for interview, we will attend the police station and advise you in person.
The police should not discourage you from obtaining legal advice.
2. The right to have someone informed of your arrest
You have the right to ask the police to inform someone of your arrest and where you are being held, subject to limited exceptions under PACE.
3. The right to an appropriate adult
If you are a youth or are considered to be a vulnerable person, an appropriate adult may be required to assist you at the police station.
An appropriate adult is there to safeguard your rights and welfare and to help you understand what is happening.
4. The right to a fair and properly conducted interview
Police interviews must be conducted in accordance with the PACE Codes of Practice. Your representative can ensure that the interview is conducted properly and can intervene where appropriate.
5. The right to know what happens next
After the interview, the police may:
Your representative will explain what happens next, advise you on the next steps, and continue to support you throughout the process.
Remember
You have the right to legal advice.
If you are arrested or asked to attend the police station, ask for LB Solicitors before speaking to the police about the allegations.
Do not feel pressured to deal with the police alone. We are here to advise and represent you throughout the process
Whether you have been arrested or asked to attend the police station voluntarily, you have the right to free and independent legal advice. Our team will guide you through the process and advise you at every stage.
If you have been arrested:
1. Arrest
You will be arrested. Do not discuss the allegations with the police before speaking to your solicitor. Anything you say may be recorded and could be used as evidence.
2. Arrival at the police station
You will be taken to a police investigation centre also known as a PIC. You will then be booked into custody and informed of your rights.
3. Ask for LB Solicitors
You will be asked whether you want legal advice. Ask for LB Solicitors to represent you. Our team will be contacted by the police and informed of your arrest.
4. Initial information
The police will provide us with basic information about your case. We will then arrange to speak with you on the telephone as soon as possible.
5. We attend the police station
When the police are ready to interview you, we will attend the police station and represent you throughout the process.
6. We review your custody record
We will obtain and review the relevant information from your custody record and consider the circumstances of your arrest and detention.
7. We obtain disclosure
We will speak with the interviewing officer and obtain details of the allegations and the information the police are prepared to disclose before interview.
8. We advise you
We will speak with you privately, explain the allegations and evidence disclosed by the police, and advise you on the best way to approach the interview.
9. Your interview
We will accompany you into the interview and represent you throughout. We will ensure that your legal rights are protected and pause interview to provide advice where necessary.
10. Next steps
After the interview, the police will decide what action to take. You may be returned to the cell while this decision is being made. We will explain the possible outcomes and advise you throughout.
11. Release or further detention
You may be released or in some cases, remanded in custody to appear before the next available court.
Whatever the outcome, we will explain what happens next and continue to advise you.
If the police ask you to attend the police station voluntarily, you still have the right to legal advice. You should contact us before attending.
1. The police contact you
The police will contact you and ask you to attend the police station for an interview.
2. Contact LB Solicitors
Contact LB Solicitors and tell us what you have been asked to attend for, the alleged offence and, if known, the name and contact details of the officer dealing with your case.
3. We contact the police
We will contact the officer and confirm that we are representing you.
4. We attend with you
We will attend the police station and meet you there before the interview.
5. We obtain disclosure
We will speak with the investigating officer and obtain as much information as possible about the allegations and evidence before the interview.
6. We advise you
We will speak with you privately, explain the situation and advise you on how to approach the interview.
7. Your interview
We will accompany you into the interview room and represent you throughout.
8. What happens next?
Once the interview has finished, we will speak with the investigating officer to establish what happens next and advise you accordingly.
9. You are free to leave
After interviewing you are free to leave.
As a voluntary attender, you are not under arrest and are generally free to leave at any time, although the police may arrest you if they have lawful grounds to do so.
You don’t have to face the police station alone
Whether you have been arrested or invited to attend voluntarily, contact LB Solicitors as soon as possible. We will explain the process, advise you on your rights and represent you throughout your time at the police station.
If you are arrested and taken to the police station, you should ask for legal advice. You have the right to free, independent legal advice at the police station.
If you are arrested, ask for LB Solicitors.
No. Asking for a solicitor does not mean that you have done anything wrong and should not be seen as an admission of guilt. Getting legal advice is simply exercising your legal rights and making sure you understand what is happening before you answer questions.
Yes. If you are arrested and questioned at a police station, you have the right to free legal advice.
You can ask for LB Solicitors and we will look after your case free of charge
Not necessarily. Asking for legal advice may mean that you have to wait for your solicitor to speak with the police and yourseld before the interview takes place, but this is an important part of the process.
Our team must reach the police station within 45 minutes of your request. The value having a solicitor provides is worth the wait.
We are based in Norwich City Centre and provide specialist criminal defence representation at police stations and courts. If you have been arrested, asked to attend a police interview, or are facing criminal charges, our team can provide advice and representation throughout the process.
You have the right to remain silent during a police interview, but you should speak to a solicitor before deciding to answer “no comment”. In some circumstances, remaining silent when questioned about an allegation can have consequences later if you rely on something in your defence that you did not mention when questioned. Your representative will consider the allegations, the information disclosed by the police and your instructions before advising you on the best way to approach the interview. This may include answering questions, providing a prepared statement or giving “no comment” answers. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Get legal advice before your interview.
If you have been arrested or asked to attend the police station, we can help.
Ask for LB Solicitors to represent you. We will provide immediate advice, explain the process and ensure you understand your rights.
We will advise you before your interview and be with you throughout, supporting you every step of the way.
After the interview, the police will decide whether to release you or remand you in custody. Either way, we will look after your case and advise you on what happens next.
