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: 

Smith Partnership regularly assists clients with the full spectrum of criminal cases, including high-value fraud and business crime work. The firm’s ability to handle matters involving more serious crimes is aided by its dedicated Crown Court department. Kevin McGrath is an expert in corporate criminal matters, while Andrew Oldroyd chairs the general crime team and is highly regarded for his representation of motorists and Youth Court clients. Both Vasanti Vaitha and Beth McGovern are also recommended for Crown Court cases.

Close knit team who value their clients and work hard to support them.

Andrew Oldroyd - incredible level of knowledge and expertise. Extremely personable. Committed to providing an outstanding service to clients.

The Legal 500, 2025

Contact our team today

  1. To find out how our expert team of law 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

You should always ask for a solicitor upon arrest. You will be generally entitled to free and independent legal advice from Smith Partnership, your solicitors of choice. Sometimes, suspects are led to believe that free advice is only available from the ‘duty solicitor’ - this is not the case and the same free service is available from your own lawyer.

We will be able to obtain details of the allegation from the police and advise you in private prior to any interview taking place. Never agree to be interviewed in our absence to ‘get it over with’ or ‘because you have nothing to hide’ as the extent of the allegation will not always be transparent. We will be present to ensure that the questioning is conducted properly. Our assistance can often accelerate your release. We provide 24-hour personal cover, 365 days a year.

You should make immediate contact with our nearest crime department. Voluntary interviews take place by arrangement with the police and commonly result in suspects being interviewed without a solicitor. Such interviews are almost always conducted under caution, by the police, at a police station in which case we will be able to offer you free legal advice. The fact that the police have chosen not to arrest you does not mean that the allegation or outcome will be any less significant. There is no such thing as a ‘quick, off-the-record chat’ and voluntary interviews often generate prosecutions.