Police Station Representatives

You are entitled to legal advice at the police station. If you have been arrested or invited to the police station for voluntary interview under caution, get in touch with our specialist police station representatives in Dorset as soon as possible by calling 01202 552 777.

At Renshaw Derrick, we are specialist criminal defence solicitors based in Bournemouth, Dorset. We are dedicated to helping people access justice with expertise across a broad range of criminal matters, from the least serious offences, such as assault, to the most serious offences, such as murder.

Many people underestimate how important their time at the police station is. It is easy to simply say whatever the police want you to say in order to get released as soon as possible, however, this can have very serious consequences.

Anything you say while under arrest or caution may be used as a reason to charge you or as evidence against you in court. Similarly, saying nothing at all may also be the wrong approach. For this reason, it is vital to have an expert police station representative or duty solicitor by your side to represent you and ensure you get the best possible chance of being released without charge or reducing the charges against you.

Our highly skilled team of criminal defence lawyers includes a number of qualified police station representatives and duty solicitors who can support and advise you at the police station. We can travel across Bournemouth and the wider Dorset area to assist you, even at short notice.

Get in touch

Don’t leave your liberty to chance. Get in touch with our police station representatives in Dorset by calling 01202 552 777.

How our police station representatives can help you

Our police station advice team is led by Ronnie Broit, a committed lawyer with nearly 20 years’ experience representing clients at the police station in a wide range of cases, including fraud, drugs offences, road traffic offences and murders.

Our comprehensive service includes:

  • Getting to know you and the circumstances behind your involvement with the police
  • Advising you on the information the police have and the allegations they are investigating
  • Advising you on the allegations and the investigation process
  • Advising you on your legal rights while at the police station and ensuring they are respected
  • Prepping you prior to police interview(s)
  • Attending police interviews with you to ensure they are conducted properly, provide advice and to protect your rights
  • Making representations to the police with the aim of getting you released without charge or getting you released on bail
  • If you are charged with an offence, we will provide advice about your next steps and the criminal justice process. The police station representation team also works closely with our Magistrates’ Court team and Crown Court legal counsel to ensure a smooth transition of your defence case

We believe that every individual has a right to expert legal advice. Whatever the allegations against you, we can provide practical advice based on decades of combined experience to give you the best possible chance of achieving a positive outcome.

Police station FAQs

What are my rights at the police station?

You have a number of important legal rights while at the police station, including:

  • The right to free legal advice – ask to call us as soon as possible
  • To tell someone where you are
  • To see the police’s Code of Conduct
  • A translator if English is not your first language
  • Medical attention if you are unwell
  • Humane treatment, such as to food, a warm cell, and access to a toilet, and a written notice explaining your rights
  • Food which suits your dietary needs
  • A parent, guardian or “appropriate adult” such as a social worker if you are under 18 or are a vulnerable adult (for example, because you have learning difficulties)

How long can the police keep me at the police station?

Generally, the police can hold you in custody at the police station for up to 24 hours. During this time they will interview you at least once and try to gather evidence which could be used to charge you with an offence. After 24 hours, they must release you unless they can apply one of the few exemptions to keep you longer.

For example, for very serious crimes such as murder, you could be kept in custody for between 36 and 96 hours.

What does it mean to be interviewed under caution?

If the police suspect you of committing a criminal offence, they may invite you to the police station for an interview under caution. It does not automatically mean you will be charged with an offence but the police and Crown Prosecution Service could use what you say to charge you or as evidence in court. You are under caution if a police officer says,

“You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defence if you do not mention, when questioned, something which you may later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.”

It is very important to seek police station representation if you have been invited for an interview under caution, even though you have not been arrested.

What happens when you are arrested?

After you are arrested, you will be taken to the police station where you will be kept in a cell. You will not be allowed to leave until the police discharge you and they will confiscate your personal belongings, including your mobile phone. You will get these back once you are released unless they are evidence.

While you are at the police station you will be interviewed at least once and probably several times before you are allowed to leave. You are entitled to free legal advice while at the police station so ask to contact Renshaw Derrick for support as soon as possible after you arrive and do not answer any interview questions until we are by your side.

Do I have to consent to the police taking fingerprints, photos and DNA samples?

The police are entitled to take fingerprints, photographs and DNA samples such as mouth swabs from you at the police station after you have been arrested.

However, they cannot take bodily fluid samples such as blood or urine without your consent. One exception to this is if you are suspected of a drink or drug driving offence; refusing to provide a sample for this is a criminal offence.

Why choose our police station representatives?

We are a leading criminal defence firm serving Bournemouth, Poole and the wider Dorset area. Our team includes qualified duty solicitors and accredited police station representatives who can attend police stations across Dorset to assist you, even at short notice.

Our team also includes solicitors with Higher Rights of Audience meaning we can provide a smooth transition from police station representation to court representation (if necessary).

We are members of the Law Society Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme with six of our solicitors recognised as accredited specialists, demonstrating our skills and expertise in criminal defence cases.

Get in touch with our police station representatives in Dorset today

We at Renshaw Derrick are very proactive. If you believe the police want to speak to you about an offence, we can make contact with them and seek to arrange a voluntary attendance. This can spare you embarrassment of a public arrest and the inconvenience of hours in a police cell.

Don’t leave your liberty to chance. Get in touch with our police station representatives in Dorset by calling 01202 552 777.