Invited for a police interview? Never go unprepared
An invitation for interview seems innocent — “just your side of the story”. But you are being heard as a suspect, and everything you say goes into the case file. Those who go prepared keep control.
Do not immediately agree and call us first
You need not accept a date on the spot. Contact us first; we find out from the police exactly what you are suspected of.
Discuss your account with us first — not with the police
In a confidential conversation we decide together on your position in the proceedings: to make a statement, to remain silent or to give a written statement. That choice depends on what is already against you.
Take us with you to the interview
You have the right to a lawyer during the interview. We ensure that questions are put fairly, intervene where necessary and confer with you in between.
Do not sign the official report just like that
Read the record of your words critically. If they are not correct, we have it changed or we do not sign.
Must you actually come?
You need not always comply with an invitation — you are not obliged to cooperate in your own prosecution. But staying away is not always wise: the police can then arrest you after all. What is smart in your case, we decide together.
Sometimes the interview is actually an opportunity: a well-prepared statement can prevent a summons or further prosecution. But you can only make that assessment if you know what is in the case file.
Suspect or witness — the difference is thin
If you are invited “as a witness”, be alert: a witness can become a suspect during the conversation. As soon as questions concern your own role, you have the right to remain silent — but by then a statement has often already been made.
Therefore, even as a witness, consult us briefly before you go. That conversation is confidential and costs you nothing.
How we prepare an interview with you
Before the interview we ask the police what you are suspected of and what information already exists. With that we decide together on your position: making a full statement, remaining silent, or handing in a prepared written statement — each with its own advantages and drawbacks in your case.
We go through how an interview unfolds, which questioning techniques to expect and what to do if a question catches you off guard: ask for a break and consult with us. You will not be learning lines — you will understand what is happening, so nothing overwhelms you.
Your rights during the interview
You have the right to remain silent, at any moment and on any question. You have the right to assistance from your lawyer during the interview and to confidential consultation beforehand. You may ask for breaks to consult with us, and if your command of the language is insufficient you are entitled to an interpreter.
At the end, your statement is put on paper in the official report. Read it critically: it is about your words, not the interviewer’s summary of them. If wordings are wrong, we have them corrected — or you do not sign.
After the interview: what happens next?
After the interview the Public Prosecution Service decides on the follow-up: a dismissal (no prosecution), a punishment order, an OM hearing or a summons. Sometimes it stays quiet for months — that too is normal, and we remain your point of contact throughout.
We request the official report and the case file and advise you on every scenario, so that a letter from the justice authorities never catches you off guard again. If police or prosecutors contact you in the meantime, do not respond yourself but call us.
Veelgestelde vragen
The police called and want “to just hear my story”. Is that innocent?
No. If you are heard as a suspect, everything you say goes into the case file and can be used against you. Call us before you agree to anything or tell anything.
May I bring a lawyer to the interview?
Yes, you have the right to interview assistance. We prepare the interview with you and sit beside you. Depending on your income this can be paid for via legal aid.
What happens if I do not go?
The police can leave it there, but can also arrest you to hear you after all. Whether appearing is wise depends on your case — do not decide that alone.
Can the interview also end my case?
Sometimes yes. A well-prepared statement can lead to a dismissal. But that only works if it is clear in advance what is against you and what you should and should not discuss.
Can I reschedule the date of the interview?
Usually yes, certainly if you indicate that you first want to speak to a lawyer. That is a normal and accepted request. We coordinate the new date, so there is time for proper preparation.
Is the interview recorded?
In more serious or sensitive cases the interview is recorded in audio or video. In addition, your statement is always laid down in writing in an official report — and it is precisely that text you must read critically before signing.
I already gave a statement without a lawyer. Is it too late now?
No. What has been stated carries weight, but there is almost always still room to steer: supplementing, nuancing or remaining silent from now on. Call us anyway — the sooner we know the file, the more we can repair.
Should I bring or hand over anything at the interview?
Bring your identity document and the invitation letter. Do not hand over documents, your phone or access codes of your own accord without consulting us — whatever you provide voluntarily becomes part of the file.