If the police have asked you to come in, or you have been arrested, you are entitled to legal advice. What you say in the first interview is very hard to undo. Call 028 9443 8955 before you attend and tell us the time of the appointment and the station.
At the police station
We advise you before the interview and can be with you while it happens. Legal aid is usually available for advice at the police station, including if you are not under arrest but have been asked to attend voluntarily. Do not assume a voluntary interview is informal. It is still evidence.
If you are charged
We prepare the case, deal with the Public Prosecution Service papers and represent you at court. Legal aid for the court proceedings depends on the charge and a means test. We tell you at the outset whether you are likely to qualify and what a private fee would be if you do not.
Some clients come to us because a family case and a criminal allegation are running together, for example after a domestic incident. One practice can see both sides of that, which matters when bail conditions affect contact with your children. Ask for family law advice in the same call if you need it.
This is general information about the law in Northern Ireland, not advice on your situation. Call us before you rely on it.