If you or a relative has been arrested
If someone has been arrested in Lewisham or Greenwich, they will usually be taken to Lewisham custody suite or to another Metropolitan Police custody suite with space. Ask the custody sergeant for Theodorous when legal advice is offered. Family members can call us with the person’s full name, date of birth and, if known, the time of arrest.
You have the right to free, independent legal advice, and you can ask for Theodorous by name. Do not answer questions about the allegation before you have spoken to a solicitor. The person detained is the client, so what we can share with family depends on their consent.
Where this custody suite fits
Lewisham custody suite serves Lewisham and Greenwich, including Lewisham, Catford, Deptford and Greenwich. The Met moves detained people between suites when cells are full, so a relative arrested locally may be held elsewhere in London. We attend every London custody suite, so the change of location does not stop us advising.
.jpg){kind=link}
What we do at the police station
Before the interview we ask the investigating officer for disclosure, take your account in private and advise you on whether and how to answer questions. We stay with you through the interview, and afterwards we explain what the police are likely to do next.
What police must disclose before interviewVoluntary interviews
A voluntary interview at Lewisham, or at another station in Lewisham or Greenwich, is still an interview under caution and can lead to a charge. Contact us as soon as you receive the invitation, with the date, time and officer’s details. We request disclosure, prepare you beforehand and attend with you.
Voluntary police interview solicitorsAfter the interview
Many cases are not decided at the station. We advise on bail conditions, release under investigation and, where justified, written representations before a charging decision. Advice at the police station is free under legal aid. If your matter later needs private representation, we will tell you at the outset and agree the fee in writing before any paid work begins.