How our police investigations solicitors can help

Anyone who has found themselves caught up in a police investigation will know that it can be among the most stressful and unpleasant experiences an individual can endure. Anyone facing the prospect of being questioned by the police about an alleged crime needs the right legal team behind them.

Hickman & Rose’s specialist police investigation solicitors have the expertise to deal with all forms of criminal allegation: from personal drug possession through to murder / manslaughter. Our expert solicitors advise suspects, witnesses and complainants in these matters, and have a proven ability to make a real difference to an investigation’s process and outcome, no matter what stage it may have reached.

Hickman & Rose provide the reassurance and expertise that anyone in this difficult situation needs.

What should I do if I am suspected of a crime?

Anyone facing the prospect of a police investigation is advised to seek legal advice as soon as possible. While available options will always be case-dependent, contacting a specialist solicitor early in the investigation process can greatly increase the possibility of avoiding an arrest.

Depending on the circumstances of the matter, it may be possible to negotiate with the police in order that they do not wrongfully exercise their power. Many arrests are of questionable legality and may be challenged on this basis. In some cases representations can be made for potential interviewees to be interviewed voluntarily, rather than under caution.

It is important to be aware of the various consequences arrest which extend beyond the criminal case itself. Overly restrictive bail conditions, a negative impact on ability to work, regulatory concerns, reputational damage. These are issues which can flow from an arrest. Any legal strategy needs take them into account.

How should I deal with a police interview?

The police station interview is the first – and possibly the most important stage – of any criminal investigation. Pursuing the correct strategy at interview can mean that the matter is dealt with swiftly and without the need for any further action.

In cases where the matter proceeds to trial, the police station interview is often the cornerstone upon which the prosecution case is built. A successful initial interview can mean the difference between conviction and acquittal at trial.

Many people believe that instructing a lawyer slows down the police interview process. The truth is often the opposite: there are various reasons why it can help a defence case to expedite the interview process, and not only because that means less time waiting in a cell.

Can I retrieve property which has been seized by the police?

Anyone whose home or workplace has been searched by police acting on a warrant may have had property, such as computers and telephones, seized. This seized material can often ben kept by the police for far longer than is necessary.

Not being able to access their property can have significant negative consequences for people who need this material for work. It is possible to swiftly recover from the police inappropriately held seized material by making the proper legal representations.

What is the difference police bail and Released Under Investigation (RUI)?

Since 2017, individuals whom the police think they may want to re-interview in the future can now be released from custody under one of two regimes: either on police bail or ‘released under investigation’ (RUI)

The main difference between police bail and RUI is that anyone ‘released under investigation’ will not have the restrictions that can, depending on their severity, have a significant impact on personal and professional life.

The 2017 law change was introduced as there was a concern that suspects were spending far too long (months and sometimes years) on police bail. The new regime means this no longer happens to the same extent, but there are new concerns that suspects are remaining on the ‘Released Under Investigation’ (RUI) status for longer than is necessary.

Hickman & Rose is at the forefront of efforts to ensure that clients who are ‘released under investigation’ have this status rescinded as soon as legally possible. We have achieved significant success persuading police forces either not to subject clients to any bail conditions; or, if they are deemed necessary, that conditions should be as light as possible.

Can I prevent a police investigation from becoming public knowledge?

For high-profile or professional clients, managing the potential reputational damage from a police interview or arrest can be as important as – sometimes more important than – the criminal case itself.

Hickman & Rose have achieved significant success in persuading investigating officers to conduct interviews away from a police station an in discreet locations such as at a private office or the client’s home, and not to release information to the media. As a result of tactics such as this, we have helped high-profile clients avoid negative publicity. Several clients investigated during Operation Yewtree have never been publicly connected to the investigation.

Our police investigations experience

Hickman & Rose is one of the UK’s foremost law firms specialising in police investigations. Ranked as a leading “Band One / Tier One” practice by both the Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 legal directories, our expert criminal defence solicitors are able to help at any stage of a police investigation: whether that be when someone has been informed the police wish to speak with them, or after a police interview.

In our long experience in this area, we have found that having the best advice and assistance at the earliest possible stage is the best way to bring an unmerited case to a swift conclusion. The majority of our clients see their cases end at an early stage, and without any negative publicity or adverse impact on their careers.

Every Hickman & Rose solicitor has years of experience advising at the police station, and in some of the most difficult cases. Our lawyers take enormous pride in meticulous preparation for police station interviews and are available 24 hours a day.