Police Station Assistance

Our experienced lawyers are on hand 24/7 – 365 days a year.

Representation at the police station is free for everyone who is interviewed under caution by the police.

We will attend, obtain disclosure from the police and advise you prior to interview taking place. We will be present throughout the interview itself.

We have represented clients on all matters from theft to murder and terrorism offences and everything in between.

Every one interviewed by the police should have a lawyer present , every time for every offence.

FAQs

Why do I need a lawyer
The advice you receive at the police station and the decisions made at this early stage can often shape how a case will ultimately end. Making the mistake of not having a lawyer at this stage can often prove problematic later on. We can advise on the appropriate option to take in an interview having considered the disclosure and the account the suspect provides.
Will I have to wait a long time for a lawyer?
This is a myth. Our lawyers on average will be at a police station within 30 minutes or often less of any request to attend for an interview in South Yorkshire regardless of the time of day or night. All our lawyers at Favell Smith and Lawson live in South Yorkshire and within easy access of the police stations.
The police said they just want me to come for a chat voluntarily - do I need a lawyer for this?
Yes.

A voluntary interview under caution whether at the station or at home is just the same. You should ensure a lawyer is present with you. It costs nothing so there is no reason not to have a lawyer present.

How long can the police hold me for?
The police having arrested you can detain you for up to 24 hours without charge. With additional police authorisation by the rank of superintendent or above, this can be extended to 36 hours.

Any further extensions beyond 36 hours could only be done with an appropriate application to the Magistrates Court for an additional 36 hours. This is known as a warrant of further detention.

How do I tell the police who my lawyer is and will they get in touch with them for me?
Following on from any arrest, the police will have to authorise your detention in custody. This will be done by the custody sergeant.

As part of that process you will be asked if you would like a lawyer and if the answer is yes they will ask if you would like a particular firm or to use the duty lawyer available free of charge.

The police have all are contact details so simply provide our name to them and the police will inform us directly of your detention.

Our team of 5 award winning criminal defence lawyers have seen and done it all before.

We are a friendly, approachable firm who treat each case with care. Unlike larger firms, we are able to offer a much more personal touch and our representatives will be with you throughout your journey to guide you each step of the way. We pride ourselves on being experts at what we do and upon the results we achieve. It’s no coincidence we have been recognised for our excellence.

Legal Aid Firm of the Year 2023

An award demonstrating our ongoing commitment to this area. Legal Aid is a cornerstone of our criminal justice system. We as a Firm remain dedicated to providing a service to those in society most vulnerable. The Firm was recognised for its work undertaken in this...

Sheffield & District Law Society Multiple award winners

Criminal Law Firm of the Year 2022, 2023 and 2024 Incredibly, the Firm has picked up this accolade 3 years in a row. Proof if ever it was needed that we continue to consistently maintain the high standards that we set for ourselves. The Firm was judged upon its...

Yorkshire Law Awards Winners

Criminal Law Firm of the Year 2023/24 In October 2023, we attended the awards finals at New Dock Hall in Leeds and beat fierce competition to win the Yorkshire Team of the Year Award beating 4 other strong finalists on the night to the accolade.

Crown Court team secures acquittal for Defendant accused of x 2 stranger rapes

Our crown court litigator team defended a young man accused of x2 rapes of strangers in a local park. The first trial resulted in the acquittal of the Defendant in relation to the first complainant and a hung jury in relation to the second. The re trial was stopped...

Mark Dooley – Solicitor Advocate secures suspended sentence order for GBH

Mark Dooley – Solicitor Advocate secures suspended sentence order for GBH (s20) x 2 and offensive weapon 19.06.2024 At Sheffield Crown Court, our  solicitor advocate Mark Dooley secured a suspended sentence order for a 19 year old Defendant who struck x2 complainants...

Tim Gaubert Solicitor Advocate secures suspended sentence for offence of Dangerous Driving  following police pursuit

Tim Gaubert Solicitor Advocate secures suspended sentence for offence of Dangerous Driving  following police pursuit 17 May 2024

Contact us today to see how we can help and get preparing your defence today.