Police Station Solicitors — Available 24 Hours

If you have been arrested, asked to attend a voluntary interview or need advice for someone in custody, call Peter Bonner & Co now.

24-hour number: 020 8297 1727

Find advice for your situation

Independent legal advice is free

Legal advice and representation at the police station is free of charge, regardless of your income and regardless of the seriousness of the allegation.

You are entitled to ask for Peter Bonner & Co. The police should contact us, and you do not have to accept the duty solicitor simply because one is available.

Before answering questions

What is said in interview may become important evidence. Speak to a solicitor before deciding whether to answer questions, provide a prepared statement or make no comment.

We can:

  • Contact the police station and obtain available information
  • Advise before interview
  • Attend and represent you during interview
  • Challenge unfair or improper questioning
  • Advise on bail, release under investigation and next steps
  • Continue to represent you if proceedings follow

When a child is interviewed

A child needs advice that takes account of their age and welfare as well as the allegation. Parents can read more about our specialist Youth Crime and Youth Court defence.

Voluntary interviews

A voluntary interview is still an interview under caution. You are entitled to free independent legal advice and should obtain advice before attending.

Call 020 8297 1727 before interview, or make a confidential enquiry.

A family member has been arrested: what to do

Call our 24-hour number with their name, date of birth if known, the police station and any information about the arrest. Ask the custody staff to record that Peter Bonner & Co has been requested. The person in custody should ask for a solicitor before answering questions.

Tell custody staff promptly about medication, disability, mental-health concerns, communication difficulties or other welfare needs. Children and vulnerable adults may require an appropriate adult as well as a solicitor: the two roles are different. We can help establish the position, but police and solicitors cannot necessarily disclose confidential details to relatives without authority.

Preparing for a voluntary police interview

A voluntary interview is a formal investigation, even if the invitation sounds informal. Contact us before agreeing arrangements so that we can seek disclosure, discuss the allegation privately and arrange representation. You are not under arrest and can leave unless arrested; do not assume that voluntary attendance prevents a later arrest or charge. The police must have a lawful basis for arrest.

Bring the invitation and relevant documents. Preserve messages or other material that may assist your defence. Do not delete evidence, contact a complainant to discuss the allegation or decide on a no-comment interview without individual advice.

Released under investigation

Release under investigation means the investigation remains open, without pre-charge bail conditions for that release. It does not mean that the allegation has been dropped or that a charge cannot follow. Keep your contact details current, retain paperwork and tell us about further police contact. We can seek updates and consider whether evidence or representations should be provided before a charging decision. There is no single fixed end date for every investigation.

Pre-charge police bail

Pre-charge bail allows the investigation to continue after release and can include conditions, such as restrictions on contact or residence. Read the notice carefully, comply with the conditions and attend when required unless formally told otherwise. If a condition affects your home, family or work, seek advice about a lawful variation. Do not assume an informal agreement changes it. Bail periods and extensions depend on the applicable procedure and authority.

Police station: frequently asked questions

Does asking for a solicitor make me look guilty?

No. Legal advice is a right and helps you understand the allegation and make informed decisions.

Is advice free for a voluntary police interview?

Yes, independent legal advice for a police interview under caution is free, regardless of income. Contact us before attending.

Should I answer questions or say no comment?

That depends on the disclosure, evidence and your account. Silence can have consequences in some circumstances; answering without advice can also create difficulties. We advise privately before interview.

Can you help after I have been released?

Yes. We advise on continuing investigations, bail conditions and further interviews. We explain funding for any additional work before you instruct us. Contact Peter Bonner & Co.