Being told to attend a police interview can feel daunting. Whether you’ve been arrested or invited to attend voluntarily, it’s completely normal to feel unsure about what will happen next.
Being told to attend a police interview can feel daunting. Whether you’ve been arrested or invited to attend voluntarily, it’s completely normal to feel unsure about what will happen next. At The Johnson Partnership, our experienced solicitors in Nottingham, Derby and Mansfield regularly support clients through police interviews, ensuring their rights are protected from the very start.
Understanding the process can make it feel far less overwhelming.
If the police want to question you about a suspected offence, the interview will usually take place under caution. This means you will be told:
You do not have to say anything
But it may harm your defence if you do not mention something later relied on in court
Anything you do say may be used in evidence
This applies whether you are under arrest or attending voluntarily. Even a voluntary interview is a formal process, and what you say can still be used in court proceedings.
Before questioning starts, you have the right to speak privately with a solicitor. Our Police Station Advice team is available 24 hours a day to provide immediate support.
You are always entitled to free legal advice at the police station. Having a solicitor present is not a sign of guilt it is simply about protecting your rights.
Your solicitor will:
Review the evidence the police have disclosed
Explain the allegation clearly
Advise you on whether to answer questions, provide a prepared statement, or respond “no comment”
Ensure the interview is conducted fairly
Our experienced Criminal Defence solicitors regularly attend interviews across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, providing calm and practical guidance throughout.
Police interviews are recorded, usually via audio or video. Officers will ask questions about the alleged offence and give you the opportunity to respond.
You are allowed breaks, and your solicitor can intervene if questions are inappropriate or unclear. The aim is to ensure that the process is fair and that you understand exactly what is happening.
Remaining calm and following legal advice is crucial at this stage.
After the interview, one of several outcomes may follow:
No further action
Release under investigation
Police bail
Formal charge
If you are charged, our team will guide you through the next steps, including representation at the Magistrates’ or Crown Court if required.
Early legal advice can make a significant difference to the outcome of your case. Whether you’ve been arrested or asked to attend a voluntary interview, contacting The Johnson Partnership immediately ensures you have experienced legal support from the outset.
Our teams in Nottingham, Derby and Mansfield are here to help you understand your rights and protect your position.
You are not under arrest, but declining to attend may lead to arrest in some circumstances. It’s always best to seek legal advice first. Our Police Station Advice solicitors can guide you.
Yes. Legal advice at the police station is free of charge, regardless of your financial circumstances.
Not necessarily. Depending on the evidence, your solicitor may advise answering questions, providing a prepared statement, or exercising your right to silence. You should always follow professional legal advice.
If you are charged, you will be given a court date. Our Criminal Defence team can represent you throughout court proceedings.
Immediately. The earlier you seek advice, the more effectively your solicitor can protect your position.
Criminal records can feel confusing and for many people, a little worrying. It’s easy to get these things right and wrong about what stays on your record, who can see it, and how it might affect your future.
When facing any legal issue, knowing when to seek advice and what to expect from a solicitor can make all the difference.
At The Johnson Partnership we aim to ensure that as few of our clients as possible actually have to go to court. It is easy to advise somebody at the police station, have them bailed to return 2 or 3 months later and then let everything go to sleep.
Cannon Courtyard, Long Row
Nottingham
NG1 6JE
Tel: 0115 941 9141 - 24 hrs
mail@thejohnsonpartnership.co.uk
Mon – Fri: 9:00am – 5:30pm (Open 24 hours for police station advice)
