If you have been arrested anywhere in the UK, all you need to do is ask for Hi Solicitors to represent you and we will for completely free 24 hours a day.
Being arrested is one of the most stressful experiences anyone can face. Whether it’s unexpected or the result of an ongoing investigation, what you do in those first few hours can affect the entire outcome of your case. One of the most important rights you have is the right to free legal representation at the police station. Here’s what that means in practice and what to expect when you ask for a solicitor.
The Right to a Solicitor at the Police Station
Under UK law, every person who is arrested or voluntarily interviewed under caution has the legal right to free and independent advice from a solicitor. This applies to everyone, regardless of income or the seriousness of the allegation.
Free legal advice at the police station is funded through the Legal Aid Agency and provided by duty solicitors or your chosen criminal defence firm. You cannot be refused access to a solicitor unless exceptional circumstances apply, such as an immediate risk to life or serious evidence being destroyed.
What Happens When You Are Arrested
When the police arrest you, they must tell you:
- That you are under arrest
- The reason for your arrest
- That you have the right to remain silent and the right to legal advice
After arriving at the station, you will be taken to the custody desk, where the arrest is logged, and you will be offered free legal advice. If you ask for your own solicitor rather than the duty solicitor, the police must delay questioning until your representative arrives.
What a Solicitor Does During a Police Interview
A police station solicitor has a vital role in protecting your rights and ensuring the interview process is fair. They will:
- Speak to the police to obtain disclosure of the evidence before the interview
- Advise you privately on what the police know and how best to respond
- Be present during questioning to ensure no improper or leading questions are asked
- Intervene if your rights are being infringed
- Provide guidance on whether you should answer questions, give a prepared statement, or remain silent
Having a solicitor present also helps avoid misunderstandings or inaccurate statements that might later be used against you in court.
Free Representation Does Not Affect the Quality of Service
A common misconception is that free police station advice means limited representation. In reality, duty solicitors are fully qualified criminal defence specialists regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. If you choose Hi Solicitors or another firm directly, the advice remains free under the same legal aid provisions.
Voluntary Interviews Under Caution
Even if you attend the police station voluntarily, you still have the right to free legal advice. The same protections apply, and the solicitor will be informed of the allegations in advance. It is always recommended that you do not attend a voluntary interview without legal representation, as anything you say can still be used as evidence.
What Happens After the Interview
Once the interview is complete, the police may:
- Take no further action
- Release you under investigation while further enquiries continue
- Release you on bail with conditions
- Charge you with an offence
Your solicitor will explain each outcome and what steps to take next, such as applying to vary bail conditions or preparing your defence.
Why Early Legal Advice Matters
What you say — or don’t say — at the police station can determine whether charges are brought at all. Early advice helps prevent avoidable mistakes and ensures your side of the story is properly recorded. Solicitors also help secure evidence, contact witnesses, and liaise with family members if you are kept in custody.
How Hi Solicitors Can Help
Hi Solicitors provides 24-hour criminal defence support across England and Wales. Our experienced team attends police stations day and night to ensure clients receive immediate and professional representation. We protect your rights, guide you through the interview process, and remain available throughout your case if further proceedings follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay for a solicitor at the police station?
No. Legal advice at the police station is completely free, regardless of your income or the nature of the offence.
Can I choose my own solicitor instead of the duty solicitor?
Yes. You can request your own solicitor, and the police must wait for them to arrive before starting the interview.
What if the police start questioning me without a solicitor present?
You can insist on waiting for legal advice. If questioning continues without a solicitor, that may breach your rights, and your solicitor can raise it later in court.
Can I get legal advice if I go to the station voluntarily?
Yes. You still have the same right to free representation during a voluntary interview under caution.
Will having a solicitor make me look guilty?
No. The police and courts recognise this as a fundamental right. Having a solicitor shows you are protecting your legal interests.
