What To Do If You've Been Contacted By Robina Police
Being contacted by police can be unsettling, particularly if you are asked to attend the Robina Police Station for an interview. The most important thing is not to panic or assume that you need to immediately explain your side of the story.
Before agreeing to a police interview in Robina or answering questions about an alleged offence, consider getting legal advice. A
criminal lawyer in Robina can explain your rights, what police are asking of you and what your next step may involve.
Why You Shouldn't Speak to Police Without Legal Advice First
In Queensland, police can approach you and ask questions, but that does not automatically mean you have to answer everything they ask. There are circumstances where you are required to provide information, such as your name and address, and other exceptions can also apply.
Anything you voluntarily say to police may potentially be used as evidence. This applies outside a formal interview as well as inside the police station, so there is no reliable concept of having an informal conversation that is automatically “off the record”.
Getting legal advice first allows you to understand whether you are required to answer particular questions and whether participating in an interview is appropriate in your circumstances.
What a Police Interview Usually Involves
A police interview is an opportunity for police to question a person about an alleged offence or incident. If you agree to participate, the interview may be electronically recorded and what you say can potentially be used as evidence.
Police should make sure you understand what is happening before questioning begins. Depending on the circumstances, you may also have rights relating to contacting a lawyer, support person or interpreter.
If police simply ask you to attend a station voluntarily, that is different from being under arrest. Legal Aid Queensland advises that a person who is not under arrest generally cannot be forced to go to a police station merely because police have asked them to attend.
That distinction is one reason it is worth getting advice before attending a Robina police station interview.
Your Rights During Contact with Police
Queensland law provides important protections when dealing with police, but the exact rules depend on the circumstances.
In general, you may have the right to:
- Remain silent rather than answer questions about an alleged offence
- Ask why police want to speak with you
- Ask whether you are under arrest
- Contact a lawyer for advice before an interview
- Use an interpreter if required
- Receive a copy of a statement or recorded interview you make
There are exceptions to the right to silence. For example, police can require identifying information in certain circumstances, and particular laws may create additional obligations.
If you are arrested for questioning about an indictable offence, police must generally allow a reasonable opportunity to contact a friend, relative or lawyer before questioning proceeds.
Because the rules can vary, general information should not replace advice about your individual situation.
When to Call a Criminal Lawyer
It is worth seeking legal advice as early as possible if police have:
- Asked you to attend an interview
- Contacted you about an alleged offence
- Arrested or detained you
- Told you that you may be charged
- Asked for a formal statement
- Contacted you in relation to a matter where you are unsure of your rights
This applies whether the investigation concerns assault charges or another criminal allegation.
Early advice does not mean assuming the worst. It means understanding what is happening before making decisions that may affect the matter later.
If charges have already been laid, a lawyer practising in criminal law can also explain the court process, bail and the available legal options. If bail becomes an issue, this guide to the importance of bail applications explains that process in more detail.
Getting Help from EV Law in Robina
EV Law provides criminal defence advice for people in Robina and across the Gold Coast, including matters involving police interviews, arrests and criminal charges.
If police have contacted you, speaking with a criminal lawyer in Robina before answering questions can help you understand your rights and options. Contact EV Law to get advice about what to do next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to attend the Robina Police Station if police call me?
Not necessarily. If police ask you to attend voluntarily and you are not under arrest, you may not be required to go. We recommend getting legal advice before agreeing to an interview so you understand whether any legal obligation applies in your circumstances.
Can I refuse a police interview?
In many situations, you have the right to remain silent and do not have to participate in a police interview. Some questions or information may still be legally required. We can advise you about the distinction before you respond to police.
Can EV Law speak to police on my behalf?
We can provide advice about your rights and communicate with police where appropriate. If you have been contacted about an interview or investigation, contact us before making a statement so we can discuss the circumstances with you.
When should I contact a criminal lawyer?
You do not need to wait until you have been charged. If police want to question you, have asked you to attend an interview or you believe you are under investigation, getting advice early can help you understand the process before deciding what to do.
Nature's Symphony
Victoria Ward - Principal Solicitor
Victoria holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from Griffith University and completed her Practical Legal Training at QUT. She was admitted as a Solicitor to the Supreme and High Court in 2014 and is a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society. She practises in Criminal, Domestic Violence and Family Law on the Gold Coast.
