Urgent help - before you talk to anyone
The most important decisions in a criminal case are often made in the first hours - usually before a charge is even laid. If any of the situations below is happening to you or someone you love, the sections here explain what to do first - and what not to do - while proper advice is arranged.
This guide is general information, not legal advice about your situation - every case turns on its own facts.
You've been arrested, or someone you love has
Stay calm, be polite, and say clearly that you wish to speak to a lawyer. You must give your name, address and date of birth - beyond that you generally have the right to remain silent, and the right to speak to a lawyer in private without delay. Don't try to talk your way out of it; casual remarks in the car or the cells are evidence too.
Police have asked you to come in for an interview
An invitation to a 'voluntary' interview is exactly that - voluntary. You are not required to attend, and you should not attend, or give any statement, before getting legal advice. This applies doubly if you think you have nothing to hide: what feels like clearing things up becomes the prosecution's evidence. Luke can speak to the officer in charge, find out where things stand, and advise whether saying anything serves you.
A search warrant has been executed, or your devices seized
If police have searched your home or workplace or taken phones or computers, an investigation is well underway. Do not discuss the matter with anyone except a lawyer, keep any paperwork you were given, and get advice before responding to any police request. What you do in the following days can shape the whole case.
You're due in court within days
A first appearance is usually procedural - but walking in with a plan beats walking in cold. You don't have to enter a plea straight away, and bail conditions set early can follow you for months. If your first appearance is imminent, call today; urgent instructions are prioritised. See your first court appearance.
How urgent instructions work
Call 022 094 2196 - or text if you can't talk - and say it's urgent. You'll deal with Luke directly, not intake staff. Where the situation calls for it, advice happens the same day, including evenings and weekends, by phone or at the station. Everything is confidential from the first word.
Frequently asked questions
Should I answer police questions before speaking to a lawyer?
Beyond your name, address and date of birth, you generally don't have to - and usually shouldn't. Say politely that you wish to speak to a lawyer first. Exercising your right to silence cannot by itself be treated as evidence of guilt.
Can Luke come to the police station?
Where the situation calls for it, yes - and advice by phone can happen immediately, which is often what matters most in the first hour. Call and say it's urgent.
I haven't been charged with anything. Is it too early to get a lawyer?
It's the best time. Pre-charge is when advice changes outcomes: whether to be interviewed, how to respond to police contact, and how to avoid making a defensible situation worse.
What about after hours or weekends?
Urgent matters don't keep business hours. Call or text - if Luke can't answer immediately, leave a message marked urgent and it will be responded to as soon as possible.
This can't wait - and it doesn't have to.
Call now for urgent, confidential advice. You'll speak with Luke directly.