Ask for ASA Solicitors by name
You do not have to use whichever duty solicitor happens to be on the rota. You have the right to ask for a named solicitor of your choice, free of charge under Legal Aid. The moment you arrive at the police station, tell the custody sergeant: “I want to speak to ASA Solicitors.” They must then contact us on your behalf before any interview can proceed.
Why instruct ASA Solicitors for your police station interview?
- A specialist criminal defence solicitor — not a generalist passed to you by the rota
- Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, anywhere in England and Wales
- Completely independent of the police — we act only for you
- Free at the police station under the Legal Aid scheme — no means test, no charge
- Direct, named contact with the same firm from the station through to court if needed
How to instruct us at the station
- Tell the custody officer you want a solicitor and ask for ASA Solicitors by name
- The police will contact us — we will speak to you by phone straight away
- We attend the station in person before your interview begins
- If you are calling on someone's behalf, we can take the instruction over the phone and attend immediately
What we do for you at the station
- Advise you on your rights before any interview begins
- Review the evidence the police intend to put to you
- Advise on whether to answer questions, remain silent, or make a prepared statement
- Sit beside you throughout the interview and challenge anything improper
- Push for bail rather than charge, and advise on any bail conditions
- Challenge any unlawful procedures, treatment, or delay in allowing you a solicitor
When to call us
Call us the moment you know you are being taken to a station, or as soon as a family member or friend is arrested. If you are already in custody, ask the custody sergeant to contact ASA Solicitors — and ask someone outside to call us too, so we can attend without delay.
Frequently asked questions
No. You have the right to ask for a named solicitor of your choice, free of charge under Legal Aid. Tell the custody sergeant you want ASA Solicitors and they must contact us on your behalf before any interview.
No. Legal advice at the police station is free under the Legal Aid scheme, with no means test. There is no charge to you, regardless of the offence alleged or your income.
No. Your right to legal advice under PACE s.58 is absolute. In very rare and specific circumstances a senior officer may delay (not deny) access for serious offences, but this is exceptional and we will challenge any unlawful delay immediately.
Call us straight away. It is never too late to get advice — we can still assist with any ongoing interviews, bail decisions, and the proceedings that follow. Going forward, always insist on speaking to a solicitor before answering questions.
We are available 24/7 across England and Wales. Once the police contact us, or a family member calls on your behalf, we aim to attend the station as a priority so your interview does not go ahead without representation.
If you are released under investigation or charged, we continue to act for you — at the magistrates’ court and, if needed, the Crown Court. Having the same firm from the station through to court means continuity and no need to start again.