If you are arrested you are entitled to free and independent legal advice irrespective of your means and the offence for which you have been arrested. This advice can be delivered on the telephone but if you are to be interviewed by police, it is usually desirable to have a solicitor with you at the police station to advise in person.

Legal aid at the police station is available not only through the Duty Solicitor scheme (of which Birds Solicitors is a member) but also if you wish to contact this firm to seek advice directly. We run an emergency service to provide advice for those in police custody 24 hours a day 365 days a year. Call us on 07966 234994.

What are my rights if I have been arrested?

■ to see the written codes governing your rights and how you are to be treated.
■ to know why you have been arrested.
■ to have someone notified of your arrest (not to make a phone call yourself) which can be delayed in certain circumstances.
■ to consult with a solicitor free of charge and privately (which can be delayed in certain very limited circumstances) on the telephone or in person depending on the circumstances.

Remember:

■ Insist on seeing a solicitor it is free of charge. A solicitor is available to give you advice on our emergency number 24 hours a day 7 days a week - 07966 234994.
■ Ask the solicitor to be present when you are interviewed.
■ Do not let the police put you off seeing a solicitor. It is your right, and it's free. Only in very few cases will it lengthen your stay in police custody.
■ Above all DO NOT PANIC, you cannot be locked up for ever.

Should I speak to the police?

■ You do not have to say anything to the police.
■ BUT if you are later charged with a crime and you have not mentioned, when questioned, something that you later rely on in court, then this may be taken into account by the court when deciding if you are guilty.

■ There may be good reasons why you do not wish to say anything to the police, and you should not be intimidated into answering questions by the police.
■ Speak to a solicitor and make sure that the solicitor comes to the police station to give you advice before the interview and stays in the interview with you.
■ Take advice from the solicitor, and
■ do not discuss the case with the police until you have consulted privately with a solicitor. There is no such thing as an "off the record" chat with the police!