Choosing a drink driving solicitor or criminal solicitor isn't easy when you're facing charges at the police station. All too often, you'll take the first solicitor that answers your call for help. You could be lucky and catch a duty solicitor with experience in handling your type of case, but that's atypical. You do not, however, have to keep the solicitor who gave you advice at the police station if you'd rather be represented by a more experienced professional. This can be especially important in the later stages of drink driving cases. These tips can help you choose the right solicitor to advise you and represent you if you must go before the court.

Speak to a Solicitor First

It's important to remember that it's not the goal of the police to do act in your best interest. While there are strict rules about what the police may and may not do when questioning you, those rules aren't always followed. Whether you're under suspicion of drink driving, fraud, assault or some other criminal act, the police will use whatever tactics they can to get information. Those tactics can lead to unintentional self-incrimination. You have the right to advice from a solicitor when you are being interviewed at the station. Use that right.

Criminal Legal Aid Will Try to Reach a Specific Solicitor

If you already have a relationship with a solicitor or have a specific solicitor in mind to advise you, you can specify that the police attempt to reach your solicitor. You will have two options for free criminal legal aid when you are called to the station or arrested. You may take advice from the duty solicitor who is next on the rotation, or you may request your own solicitor. If you request your own solicitor, the police will attempt to contact your solicitor's office on your behalf.

Face-to-Face Consultation

You may be entitled to meet with your solicitor face to face at no cost to you, or you may only be entitled to a telephone consultation. In drink driving cases, for example, criminal legal aid will only pay the cost of a telephone consultation with your solicitor. In cases of assault, theft or fraud, you may be entitled to an in-person consultation with your solicitor.

Look for an Experienced Solicitor

When you are facing criminal charges, you need a criminal solicitor. The person who handles your contracts and legal filings isn't likely to have the experience and in-depth understanding of the criminal court system. It's also helpful to have a professional who is familiar with the local court officers and magistrates. While laws are the same throughout most of the United Kingdom, a solicitor in Kent is more likely to know the court officers in Kent and one who practices in Chatham will have a good understanding of the magistrates and court officers in Chatham.

The right drink driving solicitor or criminal solicitor will guide you through the maze of magistrate court or criminal court and work to minimize the effects of your court involvement on your life.