Investigations

Whether after an arrest or request for a voluntary interview, the process can be chaotic and lacks transparency. Investigations that follow an interview can take many months, if not years, to conclude. Dealing with this process alone is not just daunting, but a huge risk.

We have unparalleled experience representing suspects under investigation by the police. We support and protect our clients using our decades of experience dealing with the police to secure the best possible outcome. If you are arrested and detained for questioning, we will attend the police station to advise and guide you through the process, ensuring that your rights and entitlements are respected. If asked to attend a voluntary interview, we will spend as much time as necessary to hear your side of the story and to engage with the police to ascertain as much information as possible. Creating a buffer between you and the police both protects and alleviates some of the strain on you. It means you are less likely to be taken advantage of and that there is more of a chance we can positively influence the direction of the investigation by adopting the best strategy from the outset.

We have acted in some of the most high profile and complex police investigations in recent decades. Our work in this area spans the full range of criminal offences from murder and offences of violence to complex fraud and theft, sexual offences, and drugs offences. Whether dealing with the police, the media, or third parties, we ensure that your full range of interests are fully protected.

They are phenomenally impressive. If I were in need of a criminal solicitor, I wouldn’t go anywhere else.
Chambers and Partners

Our expertise

BCL are ranked in Band 1 for Crime in Chambers and Partners and Band 1 for Crime: General in The Legal 500.

We know the toll that being subject to investigation can take. Our team of specialist and skilled lawyers will provide an empathetic and supportive environment while working tirelessly for you to prepare your most effective response.

We provide beginning to end representation to guide you through the entire course of an investigation, including in connection with:

representing suspects under arrest and in detention awaiting an interview under caution;
representing suspects invited to attend voluntary interviews under caution;
making representations in relation to bail and bail conditions, including applications to the magistrates’ court to vary police bail and opposing extensions of the applicable bail period;
pre-charge engagement with police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in order to identify lines of enquiry of potential assistance to our clients;
gathering of evidence and intelligence, including identifying witnesses, CCTV footage, and social media content;
preparing written representations against charge to the police and CPS;
instructing specialist forensic experts to prepare reports for use in supporting representations against charge;
liaising with employers, professional regulators, and other third parties throughout investigations, ensuring that our clients’ professional and reputational interests are protected;
engaging with media and reputation management specialists; and
applications for the deletion of arrest records and forensic samples following the conclusion of an investigation.

Our experience

Examples of our instructions include:

Providing legal advice and assistance to a former PE teacher from a prestigious London school, who was interviewed on three separate occasions by the police concerning allegations of indecent assault and rape, relating to four complainants who were pupils at the school where he taught over 35 years.
Representing a professional accused of importing a large quantity of chocolate laced with magic mushrooms, including the Class A drug, psilocybin. Following careful engagement with senior figures within the police force, our client was offered a conditional caution for the offence as an alternative to prosecution.
Acting for a Premier League footballer arrested and detained following allegations of serious sexual assaults, including representation at the police station, and making submissions to the police, resulting in no further action being taken. This case required intensive negotiations with police to ensure a swift conclusion to the investigation, enabling our client to continue their career.
Representing a young entrepreneur accused of historic sexual offences said to have been committed when he was a schoolboy. Our role including advising the client before and throughout the interview process, and in making submissions to the investigating police force. Our representations highlighted several lines of enquiry missed by the police in their investigation. No further action was taken against our client.