The best advice you can get right now? Lawyer Up. It's Free.
If you are in trouble with the Police then you need a criminal law specialist to help you at the Police station and in any time the Police contact you to make a statement. A specialist criminal defence lawyer can be the difference between being charged or released. Remember, you have a right to free legal advice (Legal Aid) at the police station. All you need to do is ask for it. And you can ask for it at any time, even if you have previously said that you did not want a solicitor.
If you have been charged already, you need a criminal defence specialist to represent you. A good defence lawyer can be the difference between a criminal conviction or an acquittal.
It is never a good idea to talk to the police about any criminal case without exercising your right to consult a specialist criminal defence lawyer. It’s the police officers job to find evidence to convict you. Not acquit you. Helping them with their enquiries means providing them the evidence they need to convict you. That’s why you need a specialist criminal defence lawyer and you need one NOW.
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Here's what will happen when you call your Criminal Defence Specialist
Remember – The initial 30 minute telephone consultation is free and confidential. All of the criminal law solicitors on our approved panel have a specialist criminal defence team with a great reputation locally. They have agreed to give a free thirty minute telephone consultation over the telephone about your rights and options right now. They will advise you of your rights to free legal advice at the police station and whether you might be eligible for free legal advice for the rest of your case.
So be prepared. Have the facts that you need to explain ready, even write them down so that you can email them if requested. Keep it concise and in summary. Tell the solicitor what you need advice about. (Not your life story)
Answer any questions that the Solicitor asks you honestly and clearly. If you are ambiguous, the solicitor cannot advise you properly.
At the end of the call, the solicitor will give you some initial advice about what you should do and when. Sometimes, that’s all you need. But other times. you might need your solicitor to come and represent you (if you are in the police station for example) Or they might need to see some of the documents or evidence before they can fully advise you. In which case you might need to bring them with you for a more detailed meeting in person.
The Solicitor will only charge you if you agree and require further advice and representation after the initial telephone consultation and any representation after the police station if you do not qualify for free legal representation.
You can negotiate any fee with the solicitor before they take on your case if needed. Or, they will establish your eligibility for legal funding (What used to be Legal Aid) if it is available.
Understand Your Criminal Charges With the Criminal Law Specialists Jargon Buster
Police and lawyers often speak in acronyms that can feel like a foreign language. If you’re not sure what a PWITS, Section 18 or Section 20 means—and the police are throwing around terms like RUI, OBH, FPN, or NFA—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Understanding the jargon can help you stay informed and prepared when speaking to your criminal defence specialist.
We do not provide specific legal advice , we leave that to the specialist criminal defence solicitors above. But we can explain what the law is, what the police must do to obtain a conviction for that offence and what sentencing powers the court has if a person is convicted of that crime. Find out here.
It will be helpful to have this information ready before you call your Criminal Defence Solicitor so that they can help you. If you don't have this information it's ok, they can work it out later.
If you’re contacting a criminal lawyer for the first time (especially from a police station or just before attending one ) then it’s important to provide clear, accurate information quickly so they can help you as effectively as possible. Here’s a list of the key information a solicitor will usually need:
Essential Information to Give Your Criminal Lawyer
1. Your Full Name and Date of Birth
This confirms your identity and helps the lawyer access any records or case information.
2. Location
Tell them:
Which police station you’re at or going to
Whether you’re already in custody, attending voluntarily, or going for a scheduled interview
3. Custody or Interview Details
If known, share:
Custody reference number (if already in custody)
Time of your interview or any deadlines
Whether you’ve been formally arrested, invited for a voluntary interview under caution, or are just being questioned
4. Nature of the Allegation
Tell the lawyer:
What you’ve been accused of (e.g., assault, theft, drug possession)
Whether you know who made the allegation
If you have received any official paperwork, such as a notice of arrest, charge sheet, or interview under caution notice
5. Whether You’ve Already Spoken to Police
Let them know:
If you’ve already had an interview, given a statement, or answered any questions
If you’ve been offered a duty solicitor or previously refused legal advice
6. Any Urgent Needs or Concerns
Mention:
Any health issues, medications or vulnerabilities (e.g. mental health, learning difficulties)
If you’re a youth or vulnerable adult (as you may need an appropriate adult)
If others are involved (co-accused, children, etc.)
If you feel unsafe or are being pressured to speak without a solicitor present
7. Whether You’ve Been Charged Before
This helps the solicitor understand how the police might view your case and whether bail might be at risk.
What If You Don’t Know All the Details?
That’s okay — give the solicitor as much information as you can. They can often get key details from the police directly once they know who and where you are.