Voluntary Interview Solicitors

Do not speak to the police without talking to us first.

Most police interviews are carried out during a person’s detention at the Police Station after being arrested on suspicion of committing a crime. However, there has been a huge rise in recent years in the number of ‘voluntary interviews’ (sometimes called a ‘voluntary interview under caution’). This is where the police interview a suspect under caution on a voluntary basis – i.e. the suspect is not arrested and taken into custody.

Voluntary Interviews

You will usually receive a knock at the door or a telephone call from a police officer who asks you to come into the police station to “have a chat”. The police may make it seem like there is nothing to worry about but in reality, they will want to conduct a formal recorded interview in exactly the same way as if you were detained in custody. What you do (or don’t) say during the interview could severely damage your position should you be charged. Make sure you have a Legal Representative with you at the Police Station to advise, assist you and to protect and advance your legal rights.

Many people find this initial contact distressing – especially if they have never been in trouble with the police before.

Does it mean the matter isn’t serious?

Absolutely not. Just because a matter is dealt with by way of a voluntary interview does not mean that the police are taking the matter lightly. The police now routinely interview suspects voluntarily for serious allegations such as robbery, drugs matters and serious sexual offences. One police force recently conducted a voluntary interview for a suspect in a murder case.

Do I Need Legal Representation?

Legal advice and representation is free of charge for everyone who attends a police station for a voluntary interview. Contacting a solicitor to attend the interview with you does not make you look guilty. Indeed, it is likely to reduce the chance of you being charged.

Despite how friendly the police have been with you, they are not on your side and you should never speak to the police about any allegation until you have taken legal advice from one of our Criminal Defence Specialists.

“I don’t need a solicitor because I’ve done nothing wrong” is the biggest mistake people make. Although you may think you have “done nothing wrong”, the police likely think you have. You should therefore ensure that you are protected by having a legal representative go with you to the interview. Do not underestimate the seriousness of what could happen if you are charged.

If you have been asked to attend the police station to be interviewed, complete the form on this page and one of our Team will call you back. If your interview is at short notice (such as within the next 24 hours), please call us on 0333 016 3333.

Contact us

Please provide a brief outline of your query and one of our Team will contact you shortly. If your matter is urgent, please call us.

Our office hours are 9am – 5:30pm
Monday to Friday
24/7 HELPLINE 0333 016 3333