- Arrested or Detained
Interview Under Caution
An interview under caution is a formal, recorded interview in which the police ask you questions about a suspected offence. Everything you say may be used as evidence.
What is the caution?
Before the interview begins, the police must read you the caution: ‘You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.’ This is a legal threshold — you must have a solicitor present.
Your options in interview
- Answer all questions — only advisable in limited circumstances with solicitor guidance
- Remain silent — your right, but may allow adverse inference in some cases
- Provide a prepared statement — a carefully drafted account read at the start
- Answer some questions and decline others — with solicitor guidance
How we prepare you
- We review the grounds of your arrest before the interview
- We advise on which approach best protects your position
- We can draft a prepared statement on your behalf
- We attend the interview with you and intervene if questions are improper
What happens after the interview?
After the interview the police will either release you on bail, release you under investigation, charge you, or take no further action. We advise you at every stage and will represent you in any further proceedings.
Free advice — 24/7
Need help right now?
A specialist solicitor is available immediately, day or night.
