Pre-Charge Engagement Solicitors
Pre-Charge Engagement & Voluntary Police Interview Advice
If you are suspected of involvement in any criminal investigation, then it is essential to take a proactive approach from the outset.
Engagement of an experienced and respected defence team can often lead to an early resolution of a case and/or the case being dropped altogether.
Our solicitors provide advice, support and guidance prior to representation at prosecuting authority interviews. We will arrange for a qualified representative to accompany you to the police interview. It is imperative that your representative has experience of the prosecuting authority, so the advice can be tailored accordingly.
How can Garrick Law help?
The pre-charge stage is the period after the first police interview and before any suspect is formally charged. This is the period when action by an experienced defence team can make a big difference, and lead to a successful outcome.
Prosecuting authorities are now encouraged to engage with defence representatives pre-charge in accordance with The Attorney General’s Guidelines on Disclosure 2020, and this is an area in which we at Garrick Law excel. We will liaise with them on your behalf, with the aim of bringing you case to an early conclusion, and saving the unnecessary stress, trauma and cost of court proceedings.
Pre-Charge Engagement Solicitors & Voluntary Police Interview Advice
If you are suspected of involvement in any criminal investigation, then it is essential to take a proactive approach from the outset.
Engagement of an experienced and respected defence team can often lead to an early resolution of a case and/or the case being dropped altogether.
Our solicitors provide advice, support and guidance prior to representation at prosecuting authority interviews. We will arrange for a qualified representative to accompany you to the police interview. It is imperative that your representative has experience of the prosecuting authority, so the advice can be tailored accordingly.
How can Garrick Law help?
The pre-charge stage is the period after the first police interview and before any suspect is formally charged. This is the period when action by an experienced defence team can make a big difference, and lead to a successful outcome.
Prosecuting authorities are now encouraged to engage with defence representatives pre-charge in accordance with The Attorney General’s Guidelines on Disclosure 2020, and this is an area in which we at Garrick Law excel. We will liaise with them on your behalf, with the aim of bringing you case to an early conclusion, and saving the unnecessary stress, trauma and cost of court proceedings.
Voluntary Police Interview & Pre Charge Engagement FAQs
1. What is a voluntary police interview?
- A voluntary police interview is an interview that takes place at a police station where you agree to assist the police with an investigation.
2. What is the difference between a standard police interview and a voluntary police interview?
- At the time you are asked to attend the voluntary interview you are not under arrest.
3. What is an arrest?
- When you are arrested, you are prevented from leaving the police station for a period of time.
The police can hold you in custody for this specific period of time before they have to charge you with a crime or release you
4. What questions will I be asked in a voluntary police interview?
- When you are arrested, you are prevented from leaving the police station for a period of time.
The police can hold you in custody for this specific period of time before they have to charge you with a crime or release you
5. Will the voluntary police interview be recorded?
- Yes, the interview will be recorded and you will be cautioned. This means that even your voluntary police interview can be used as evidence in Court.
6. What rights do you have when attending a voluntary police interview?
- You have the right to legal advice from a criminal defence solicitor, and we strongly recommend that you do this.
- You are free to leave the police interview unless arrested.
- You must be informed of your rights, entitlements and safeguards.
- You do not have to attend the police interview if after independent legal advice from your criminal defence solicitor you decide it is not in your best interests. We recommend you obtain this advice before attending the voluntary police interview.
7. Can I be arrested during a voluntary police interview?
- Yes. The police officer must then inform the custody officer who will inform you that you’re under arrest and your rights.
8. What will happen if I decide to not attend a voluntary police interview?
- If you decide to not attend, you could later be arrested and have to give a standard interview whilst in custody.
- The police will continue to investigate you and matters surrounding the incident if you have not provided an account.
- You should not make this decision until you have obtained independent legal advice from a criminal defence solicitor.
- If you have already failed to attend an interview then it is not too late to get legal advice, as the police may still be investigating you
9. What happens after my voluntary police interview?
There are 3 options:
- The police will take no further action on your matter.
- The police will continue their enquiries and will not draw you out of their investigations.
- The police will charge you with a criminal offence.
