Your rights at the police station
Whether you’ve been arrested or you attend a voluntary interview, you have the right to:
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Free legal advice
Independent advice from a solicitor, free of charge.
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Have someone told
Ask the police to tell someone where you are.
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See the rules
Read the Codes of Practice that set out how you must be treated.
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An interpreter
Help to understand what’s happening, if you need it.
Facing a police investigation or criminal charge? Get advice early.
Being questioned by the police or charged with an offence is frightening, and what you say early on can affect the outcome of your case. We give you clear, confidential advice and protect your rights from the start.
Whether it’s a police interview, a motoring offence or a hearing at court, we explain where you stand, what the evidence shows and what your options are.
What’s happened?
Choose the option closest to your situation to see what usually happens next. This is general information, not legal advice.
Arrested or asked to attend a police interview?
You have the right to free legal advice at the police station. Don’t answer questions until you’ve spoken to a solicitor.
[Ask the police to contact Qamar Uz Zaman Solicitors. Only include this line if you offer police station attendance.]
How we can help
From the first police interview through to the end of your case.
Police station advice
Representation at police interviews, including voluntary interviews under caution.
Magistrates’ and Crown Court
Advice on your plea, preparation of your defence and representation at court.
Motoring offences
Speeding, drink and drug driving, driving without insurance and totting-up bans.
Assault and public order
Common assault, ABH, affray and other offences against the person.
How a criminal case works
Every case is different, but most follow these stages in England and Wales.
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Investigation and interview
The police gather evidence and may interview you under caution, either after arrest or voluntarily.
Police stage
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Charge or release
You may be charged, released while enquiries continue, or told no further action will be taken.
After interview
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First hearing
Almost every criminal case starts at the Magistrates’ Court, where you’ll usually be asked to indicate your plea.
Court begins
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Plea and preparation
A guilty plea at the earliest opportunity can reduce a sentence. If you plead not guilty, we prepare your defence.
Weeks to months
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Trial or sentence
Your case is decided at trial, or the court passes sentence after a guilty plea or verdict.
Final stage
Meet your solicitor
Qamar Uz Zaman
[Qualifications, when you qualified, any police station accreditation, and your experience defending criminal cases.] You speak directly to Qamar, who handles your case personally and in confidence.
- Confidential and non-judgemental
- Clear advice on your options
- [Available out of hours]
- One point of contact
- English, Urdu and Punjabi
- SRA regulated
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a solicitor for a voluntary interview?
It’s strongly advised. A voluntary interview is still an interview under caution, and anything you say can be used as evidence. You have the right to free legal advice, so there’s no reason to go alone.
Should I answer “no comment” in interview?
It depends on your case. A court can sometimes draw conclusions if you later rely on something you didn’t mention in interview. We’ll review the police disclosure and advise you before the interview starts.
What does “released under investigation” mean?
It means you haven’t been charged, but the police are still investigating. There are no bail conditions, but the case can continue. Keep any paperwork and get advice.
Will pleading guilty reduce my sentence?
Usually, yes. A guilty plea at the first opportunity can reduce a sentence by up to one third. But you should never plead guilty to something you didn’t do, so get advice on the evidence first.
Can I avoid a driving ban?
Sometimes. If you face a ban for reaching 12 points, you may be able to argue that a ban would cause exceptional hardship. Strong evidence is needed, and we can tell you whether you have grounds.
Will I get a criminal record?
A conviction or caution is recorded, but some outcomes, such as no further action, do not result in a conviction. How long a record shows on checks depends on the outcome. We can explain what applies in your case.
Is what I tell you confidential?
Yes. What you tell your solicitor for the purpose of legal advice is protected by legal professional privilege.
What our clients say
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Get confidential advice
Tell us a little about your situation. Everything you share is treated in confidence.
Need help now?
- Phone
- +44 7925 273896
- Qamar@lcssolicitor.co.uk
- Office
- [Street address, Town, Postcode]
- Opening hours
- [Mon to Fri, 9am to 5:30pm. Out-of-hours number if you offer one.]