Police Station Solicitor in London

Police Station Solicitor Covering London

I regularly represent privately paying clients at police stations and courts across Greater London, attending in person for arrests, voluntary interviews, and search warrant executions, or by video link where that's more practical. London cases are a priority for my practice: you get the same senior, personal representation as anywhere else I cover, with a dedicated London contact number and fast response.

I don't currently have a walk-in office in London, my attendance is at the police station, court, or via video link, which is how the majority of criminal defence work is actually delivered. What matters is that I turn up, on time, and represent you personally throughout.

WHY EARLY LEGAL ADVICE IS CRITICAL

The police often say, “It’s just a chat.” But without a police station solicitor protecting your interests, what you say can and will be used against you in court. Even an innocent mistake or a poorly chosen word can later be twisted to support the prosecution’s case.

I will:

• Obtain full disclosure from the police before your interview, so you know what evidence they have.

• Advise you on your legal position, whether to answer questions, give a prepared statement, or remain silent.

• Protect your rights, ensuring the police follow the correct procedures under PACE (Police and Criminal Evidence Act).

• Challenge improper questioning or pressure tactics, and make sure interviews are fair, lawful, and recorded correctly.

• Act quickly,  attend the police station, either in person or remotely.

WHEN TO CALL A POLICE STATION SOLICITOR:

You should contact a police station solicitor immediately if:

• You've received a voluntary interview (PACE 10) letter or text from the police.

• You've been arrested and are currently in custody.

• You've been told you're "helping with enquiries."

• You've had a search warrant executed at your home or workplace.

• You've been contacted by an investigating body such as Trading Standards, HMRC, the RSPCA, or the Environment Agency.

No matter how minor or serious the allegation, I will ensure you are fully prepared and properly represented before you speak to anyone.

Aftab Bakhat vs. a Typical Duty Solicitor

Police Station Representation - What I Cover

Arrest & Custody Representation
If you've been arrested, I attend the police station, obtain disclosure from the investigating officer, and advise you before the interview, whether that means answering questions, a prepared statement, or remaining silent.

Voluntary Interview (PACE 10) Representation
Invited for a "voluntary" interview? It carries the same risk as an arrest interview. I review the allegation where possible before you attend, and represent you throughout, free of charge as your right to legal advice, whatever the offence.

Search Warrant Response
If police execute a warrant at your home or workplace, I can attend immediately to oversee the search, check its validity, and protect your position from the outset.

Released Under Investigation (RUI) & Bail Management
I actively chase your case rather than letting it sit, monitoring progress, pressing for early disclosure, challenging delay, and making representations to the CPS to avoid charge wherever the evidence allows.

Ongoing Case & Court Representation
If you're charged, representation continues seamlessly through the Magistrates' or Crown Court, same solicitor, same strategy, no handover.

Cases I Take On

Whatever the allegation, having the right police station solicitor ensures your side of the story is properly presented from the very beginning. I regularly handle:

• Assault, harassment, and public order allegations

• Theft, fraud, and dishonesty offences

• Drug offences, including possession and supply

• Sexual offences, including online investigations and historic complaints

• Road traffic matters, drink or drug driving, careless driving, failure to stop/report

• Serious offences, robbery, firearms, domestic violence, and murder investigations

What Happens When You Call - 3 Simple Steps

1. Call or message: describe your situation in confidence, any time, day or night.

2. Immediate advice: I tell you where you stand and what to do next, before you speak to police.

3. I attend: in person or by video link, at the police station, wherever you are.

MY APPROACH

With nearly three decades of exclusive criminal law experience as a police station solicitor, I know how the police think and operate. My role is to level the playing field, protecting you from unfair questioning, unlawful detention, and self-incrimination.

I combine:

• Strategic thinking: Understanding the bigger picture, what the police are really trying to establish.

• Tactical advice: Knowing when silence protects you, and when a statement can shut down suspicion.

• Reassurance: Many clients feel anxious, frightened, or ashamed. I take time to explain the process clearly and without judgment.

You will deal directly with me, not a call centre or junior assistant, ensuring you receive personal attention throughout.

IF YOU'RE RELEASED UNDER INVESTIGATION (RUI) OR ON BAIL

Police investigations can drag on for months. During that time, I will:

• Monitor your case progress.

• Make representations to the police or CPS.

• Request early disclosure of evidence.

• Challenge unnecessary delays.

• Prepare your defence in advance if charges are brought.

If the evidence is weak, I can make written representations to the Crown Prosecution Service to persuade them not to charge you at all.

PRIVATE CLIENT REPRESENTATION & FEES

I act exclusively for private clients and do not undertake legal aid work. This means direct, continuous access to me personally throughout your case, rather than being passed between duty solicitors or junior staff. I offer clear, fixed-fee or flexible pricing agreed before any work begins, so you always know what to expect. Your first consultation is free and confidential, with no obligation to instruct me afterwards.

ALSO COVERING MANCHESTER & NATIONWIDE

Alongside London, I have a strong base in Manchester and the North West. including Liverpool, Preston, Blackburn, Lancaster, and Cheshire, and represent clients nationwide. Wherever you're being interviewed or charged, distance is rarely a reason to settle for less experienced representation.

NOTABLE CASES

R -v- B
The facts were that the main protagonist had opened up a drug processing factory in an industrial unit to which all the Defendants were linked. He was the only Defendant out of 24 in this conspiracy to receive a not guilty verdict after a two-week trial.

R -v- C
The Defendant was arrested in an industrial cannabis farm with 108 plants and was subsequently linked to three additional, similarly sized, cannabis farms. He received a non-custodial sentence.

R -v- P
This Defendant faced an allegation of stabbing her husband with a knife. With the assistance of Mr Bakhat and instructed Counsel, the Defendant was acquitted after trial before the Crown Court.

R -v- M
Charge of excess alcohol. Going on to advance a "laced drinks" defence which the Magistrates accepted, resulting in the Defendant retaining his driving licence and receiving a not guilty verdict.