Police Interview – Your Rights
The interview is where most cases are shaped. What you say can be used as evidence. Once it is said, it cannot be taken back.
You are entitled to legal advice before answering any questions. Use it.
Start assessmentBefore the interview
You have the right to speak to a solicitor before any questioning begins. This applies whether you have been arrested or asked to attend voluntarily.
During the interview
You can have a solicitor present. They are there to advise you on how to respond and whether to answer questions.
What people get wrong
People often try to explain themselves without advice. This is where problems start. Trying to "clear things up" can create evidence that did not exist before.
Key points
- •You do not have to answer questions without legal advice
- •What you say can be used in evidence
- •Silence can have consequences in some situations
- •The interview is not informal
What the police are doing
The interview is structured. Officers are not just listening — they are testing your account against the evidence they have.
Why this matters
This stage often determines how a case develops. Decisions made here can influence whether a case progresses or not.
Before you answer questions
Get advice before you say anything that cannot be taken back.
Start assessmentIf you are about to be interviewed, or have been asked to attend a police station, speak to a solicitor before responding.
Start assessmentOfficial information and further reading
This guide covers England and Wales. For official information, see GOV.UK: legal advice at the police station. For advice about your circumstances, speak to a solicitor.