Always on hand to help

Whatever situation you are facing, where matters involve the police, seeking the best possible legal advice and representation is vital in protecting your rights and future.

Our experienced criminal defence lawyers offer just that. To find out how we can help you, contact us today.

What to do next

Whether you have been arrested, held in custody or if the police call you in for questioning, UK law allows you to seek advice from a solicitor who can explain your legal rights, options and best course of action. 

You may have already been questioned and are required to go back to the police station, in which case legal advice is even more important in ensuring you understand what is at stake and what may happen next. Your case could progress to the Magistrates’ Court or Crown Court, so a legal representative that understands your situation can help you to reach the best possible outcome. 

For those that have been arrested, there will be the option to use a solicitor or advisor offered by the police (under the Duty Solicitor scheme) - however, you can instruct one of your own choice. Our expert solicitors at Smith Partnership provide proactive, straightforward advice to help clients who have found themselves needing advice at the police station. 

24 hour assistance

From our years of experience in dealing with issues involving the police, we understand how valuable accessible and responsive advice is. Therefore, our clients benefit from our 24 hour, 7 days a week service which ensures we are able to proactively handle any challenge that arises at every stage of your case. In this way, we can make sure that your legal rights and position are protected at all times. 

With offices based in Derby, Leicester, Burton Upon Trent, Swadlincote and Stoke on Trent, our team is accessible and able to reach you with ease when needed. 

No matter the time or day, contact us on:

What to expect at a police station questioning

No matter the seriousness of the allegations or matter, the process for questioning at a police station can be extremely daunting. However, this stage of any criminal case is incredibly important as anything said or done in these recorded questionings can be used as evidence against the suspect later on in the event of a trial. 

Under the pressure of the situation, it’s only human to make mistakes or for information to be misinterpreted unintentionally. Therefore, where you have the right to consult a legal representative, it is advisable to do so as this can protect you and help the case’s proceedings significantly.

Why choose Smith Partnership?

Our extensive experience and expertise in this area of law is backed by a top tier Legal 500 ranking in the East Midlands.   

With the belief that everyone has the right to the best possible legal representation, regardless of the situation or their financial circumstances, we also advise clients on their eligibility for legal aid. If eligible, we can help you to complete the application or if not, we will quote you a fixed fee and advise you on other payment options.  

We pride ourselves in offering a clear and practical approach to any legal issue referred to us. Therefore, we can assure you that any advice or communication you receive from our solicitors will be straight-talking and jargon-free. If at any point there is something you are unsure of, we understand how important it is that you know exactly where you stand, especially when matters involve the Police. Our team will be more than happy to explain. 

DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT...

Having been awarded the highest possible ranking by The Legal 500, The Smith Partnership team is number one for criminal law in the East Midlands. It noted: 

Andrew Oldroyd heads the criminal defence practice at Smith Partnership with the assistance of Kevin McGrath, who leads the corporate crime and fraud unit. Noted for its ‘great experience, technical ability and commitment‘ the firm takes on defence cases relating to homicide, drug conspiracies, sexual assault, motoring offences and prosecutions by various regulatory bodies. Other key contacts are David Cusack and Crown Court litigators, Vasanti Vaitha and Beth McGovern.

The combination of friendliness and professionalism – they are very approachable and do not give the impression of “judging” clients. They have a strong work ethic and far better respected than other firms in the local area with a high volume of Higher Court Advocates.

Very strong criminal team, with great experience, technical ability and commitment.

Huge presence in The Midlands for crime. Andrew Oldroyd partner takes the case on as though each client is a family member.

The Legal 500, 2023

Contact our team today

To find out how our expert team of solicitors can help you, contact us today on 0330 123 1229, send us an email via info@smithpartnership.co.uk or complete our contact form.

FAQs

No. On arrest, the police have the right to take your fingerprints and do not need your permission.

Yes. On arrest, the police have the right to take your DNA and do not need your permission. The sample may, for example, be from a hair root.

A warrant is a document issued by a legal or governmental official authorising another body, usually the police, to make an arrest, search premises or carry out some other function relating to the administration of justice.

The police have the power to enter your premises to affect an arrest and, in doing so, to search the house for evidence relating to the investigation in question. Once under arrest and detained, the police can search the house, on the authority of an officer of at least an inspector's rank, for evidence relating to the current or other offences.

A suspect can generally be held for no longer than 24 hours in police custody prior to charge. The police should ensure that all detainees are processed as quickly as possible. Where it is deemed appropriate by an officer of at least a superintendent's rank, this period can be extended to a total of 36 hours. Whilst further extensions prior to charge can be allowed up to a maximum period of 96 hours, this has to be authorised by the court.

Where the police arrest a suspect, but wish to release him or her whilst the case continues, they can release him/her on bail. This can be before charge, whilst further enquiries are made, or after charge. If charged, the police must decide whether bail to a court date is appropriate. If not, the police must place the defendant before the first available court where the magistrates must decide whether to grant bail or remand in custody. Bail can be with or without conditions. Conditions can include residing at a fixed address, keeping away from witnesses and defined locations or regularly reporting to a local police station. Breaching conditions, re-offending, interfering with witnesses or failing to answer bail can result in a remand in custody until the case concludes.

The police will often seize such electronic equipment to examine its contents as potential evidence to assist with their enquiries. Please make immediate contact with a member of our team to advise whether the seizure is lawful.