Police station advice
Support before a police interview, whether you have been arrested or invited to attend voluntarily.
AB Mackenzie · Criminal defence
Criminal solicitors for Southwark.
When the situation feels uncertain, clear advice makes a difference. Support with police interviews, criminal investigations and court proceedings.
Serving Southwark from our Bromley office.
Urgent police station help: 07442 505012.
Advice · Preparation · RepresentationYour situation.
Our attention.
Our attention.
SRA-regulated firmRegistration number 8001463
24-hour police station helpCall 07442 505012
Understand the costPublished fees & funding information
How we can help
Defence for the
stage you are facing.
A first police contact and a court hearing raise different questions. Find the right starting point, then speak to us about the details of your case.
Court representation
Understand the hearing ahead, the decisions you may face and the preparation your case needs.
Motoring allegations
Advice on driving allegations, court paperwork and the potential consequences for your licence.
Fraud & financial crime
Careful attention to documents, transactions and the circumstances behind an investigation.
Serious criminal allegations
Focused preparation when an allegation is serious, complex or involves a substantial volume of evidence.
Sensitive allegations
A discreet first conversation about sexual offence allegations and the next steps in an investigation.
The approach
Serious about your case.
Clear about your options.
Criminal proceedings can affect work, family life and your ability to plan. You need to understand what is being alleged, what has to happen next and which decisions require legal advice.
AB Mackenzie begins with your circumstances. We can discuss the available paperwork, identify urgent dates and explain the proposed work and funding before you decide whether to instruct the firm.
You will be told how to contact the person dealing with your matter. If an explanation is unclear, or you need communication support, please tell us.
Getting started
Three useful first steps.
You do not need to have every answer before contacting us. A short, accurate account helps us understand what you need.
Explain where things stand.
Tell us if you are in custody, have an interview invitation or have received court papers. Mention an imminent deadline at the start of the call.
Share the right information.
Have the reference number and official correspondence available. We will explain what else is needed and how to provide documents appropriately.
Understand your representation.
Discuss who will act, the scope of the work and the funding arrangements. Keep a record of the agreed next action and the date it is due.
Southwark & South London
Local circumstances.
Individual advice.
We welcome enquiries from people living or working across Southwark, including Borough, Bermondsey, Walworth, Camberwell and Peckham. Your home address does not determine every part of a criminal case: confirm the police station or court shown on your paperwork.
AB Mackenzie’s office is in Bromley. Please arrange an appointment before travelling. We can discuss suitable arrangements for an initial conversation and any support you need to communicate with us.
The Southwark journal
Useful reading.
A more informed next step.
Instructing a solicitor
Choosing criminal solicitors for Southwark: the questions that matter
A practical way to assess regulation, costs, communication and the work a solicitor has agreed to do.
Read the guide: Choosing criminal solicitors for Southwark: the questions that matterCourt preparation
Your first criminal court hearing: a practical guide for Southwark residents
A clear preparation plan for the paperwork, the journey, the hearing and the instructions that follow.
Read the guide: Your first criminal court hearing: a practical guide for Southwark residentsPolice interviews
A voluntary police interview in Southwark: how to prepare
What to organise before an interview, what to ask your solicitor and how to keep track of the next step.
Read the guide: A voluntary police interview in Southwark: how to prepareCommon questions
Before you call.
General information can help you get organised. Advice about your own case requires a discussion of its facts.
Can you help if I live in Southwark?
We welcome Southwark enquiries. The firm is based at Alliance House, 29 London Road, Bromley, BR1 1DG. Explain where the interview or hearing is taking place when you contact us.
Is advice at a police interview free?
You have a right to free independent legal advice when questioned at a police station. Tell the police you want a solicitor. Court funding is a separate question.
Can someone contact you on my behalf?
A family member can help arrange contact. The person being represented is the client, and confidentiality may restrict what can be shared with others.
Where can I see the fees?
Our fees and funding page shows the firm’s published rates and explains the questions to resolve before work is agreed.