An interview at a police station, particularly if preceded by an arrest, is a stressful and worrying experience and it is essential that you are aware of your rights and are able to make the right decision as to how to respond.
There is a myth that those who attend the police station with a lawyer only do so because they are guilty. This is not true. For many people, their first response when faced with police questioning is to attend on their own and to answer questions immediately, believing they can talk their way out of the situation and leave as quickly as possible. This is rarely the best strategy.
By attending the police station with one of our specialist lawyers we will be able to obtain information about the investigation, the reasons why you are being interviewed, explain to you the process, advise you about the options that you have and ensure that you are treated fairly throughout the proceedings. Sometimes the best advice is to decline to answer questions, at least until further information is provided as to the case against you; or alternatively it may be better to produce a written statement setting out your case in a clear and structured way. Even if you decide to answer questions, you will want to think carefully in advance about the issues with which you will have to deal.
Our criminal defence lawyers are of outstanding quality, and we are experienced in helping to guide clients through the options before them and in giving advice as to the best course to take. Our criminal law team includes specialist general crime and police station advisers. Our reputation is based on over 70 years of providing quality assistance to our clients, protecting their rights and interests, and striving to get our clients the best result.
We recognise that to achieve the very best outcomes for our clients we need to be proactive from the earliest moment of a police investigation. In many instances we can help to avoid an arrest taking place, with all the potentially onerous consequences that can flow from an arrest: restrictions on travel, onerous bail conditions, and the likelihood that fingerprint and DNA samples will be taken that will remain on a national database for life.
If you would like to speak with our criminal defence solicitors, please contact Jonathan Grimes or Angus McBride.
"Incredible reputation and well-grounded practitioners."
Chambers and Partners 2012