Immediate Action Required: The decisions made in the next hours matter most. Do not wait.
I have been asked to attend a voluntary police interview
Police have invited you to attend a voluntary interview under caution. The word 'voluntary' is misleading: this is a formal police process.
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 attend a voluntary interview without specialist legal advice
Attending a voluntary interview without understanding the allegation and without specialist advice is one of the most common and damaging mistakes made by professionals and executives.
Contact a specialist criminal defence solicitor before agreeing to attend or setting a date. Understand the allegation and the evidence before deciding whether to answer questions.
Do not attend on the date suggested without taking legal advice. Do not use the duty solicitor for complex professional or financial investigations. Do not assume that answering questions honestly will result in no further action.
Why this matters
Answers given under caution during a voluntary interview are admissible as evidence in criminal proceedings. A carefully prepared, managed interview can significantly strengthen your position. An unprepared interview can be catastrophic.
This guidance is general in nature. The appropriate strategy depends entirely on the specific facts of your situation. 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
Attending without specialist advice
- 02
Using the duty solicitor for complex matters
- 03
Assuming that answering questions will resolve the matter
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.
Voluntary Interviews
Expert preparation and representation for voluntary police interviews.
Learn morePolice 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 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.
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 agree to attend an interview?
Should I answer questions in interview?
Should I provide documents that have been requested?
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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.