Immediate Action Required: The decisions made in the next hours matter most. Do not wait.
The police have contacted me
You have received contact from police, by phone, letter, or in person. You may or may not know what it concerns.
What You Must Do Now
The following guidance reflects the most critical strategic decisions at this stage of an investigation.
Strategic Action 1
Do not engage informally with police officers who contact you
When police contact you, whether by phone, letter, or in person, there is no truly informal conversation. Any information you provide can be used and may shape the direction of the investigation.
Politely decline to engage substantively. Note the officer's name and station. Ask for any request to be made in writing. Contact a specialist defence lawyer immediately.
Do not invite officers in for a conversation. Do not volunteer the names of colleagues, associates, or relevant documents. Do not speculate about what the investigation might concern.
Why this matters
Initial contact from police is a critical moment. What you say, and what you do not say, at this stage can significantly affect the trajectory of any investigation that follows. Investigators are trained interviewers.
This guidance is general in nature. Individual circumstances may require a different approach. Always take personalised legal advice.
The Most Common Mistakes At This Stage
The following mistakes are made repeatedly by people in your position, often with serious consequences.
- 01
Engaging informally with officers
- 02
Assuming it is routine
- 03
Waiting to take advice
Read More About Your Situation
Detailed strategic guidance on the specific aspects of your situation.
How Craig MacKenzie Can Help
The following services are directly relevant to your situation.
Police Investigations
Strategic defence advice from the first moment of police contact.
Learn morePre-Charge Representation
Strategic intervention before the Crown Prosecution Service makes a charging decision.
Learn morePrivate Defence
Strategic private criminal defence for professionals and business owners facing high-stakes allegations.
Learn moreThe wider picture
What else could this affect?
An investigation rarely stays in one place. These are the areas that, depending on the facts, may also need to be considered.
Your liberty
A criminal investigation can carry the risk of arrest, bail conditions or, ultimately, prosecution; the position should be assessed early.
Your record
The outcome of an investigation may affect whether a criminal record arises, which can have consequences that reach well beyond the case itself.
Your reputation
An allegation, even one that is never charged, can create reputational exposure that benefits from a considered, strategic approach.
Your employer
An employer may become aware of, or need to consider, the allegation; the timing and approach can matter a great deal.
Your regulator or professional body
A regulator or governing body may take an interest in the same facts, and whether or when to engage should be considered with advice.
Your devices and data
Digital devices and data are often central to investigations; how they are handled should be approached carefully and lawfully.
Before you act
The decision you may be facing next
People in your position often face one of these decisions before anything else. Each one is best made with advice, not under pressure.
Should I call the police back before taking advice?
Should I agree to attend an interview?
Should I answer questions in interview?
Should I seek pre-charge representation now?
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Direct Partner Access
Your case is led personally by Craig MacKenzie. You have direct access to your solicitor, with all key decisions, strategy and advice provided at partner level. Behind the scenes, Craig is supported by an experienced legal team to ensure your case is progressed efficiently without compromising on the quality of advice.
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Professional Confidentiality
Enquiries and instructions are handled with the professional confidentiality obligations that apply to solicitors. Client matters are not discussed with third parties.
Do You Require Advice About Your Circumstances?
This material provides general information and is not a substitute for advice about a specific investigation or case.
Craig provides legal services exclusively through Forbes Solicitors. To make an initial enquiry, contact Craig at:
craig.mackenzie@forbessolicitors.co.uk
An enquiry does not constitute an instruction. Forbes Solicitors must confirm in writing that it has accepted the matter before any solicitor–client relationship arises.