What Happens If I Ignore A Police Interview Invitation?

1. Police Can Arrest You

The most likely consequence is that police will arrest you at your home or workplace instead^[2]. A "voluntary" interview becomes involuntary when you refuse to cooperate. This means:

• Officers attending your home (often early morning)
• Arrest in front of family, neighbours, or colleagues
• Being taken to custody suite in handcuffs
• Extended detention while they investigate
• Potential bail conditions restricting your freedom

2. Warrant For Your Arrest

Police may apply to magistrates for a warrant if they believe you're avoiding them^[4]. Once a warrant is issued:

• You can be arrested at any time without further warning
• The warrant remains active until executed
• You may be refused bail when eventually arrested
• It appears on police systems and can affect travel

3. Adverse Inference At Trial

If your case goes to court, ignoring the interview invitation can be used against you^[3]. The court may be told:

• "You refused to cooperate with police investigation"
• "You had something to hide"
• "You fabricated your defence later"

This is called an "adverse inference" and can damage your credibility with magistrates or jury.

4. Stronger Evidence Against You

While you're hiding, police continue investigating. They may:

• Gather more evidence without your side of the story
• Interview other witnesses who give damaging accounts
• Obtain CCTV, phone records, or forensic evidence
• Build a prosecution case without any challenge from you

5. Charge Without Interview

Police don't need to interview you before charging. If they have sufficient evidence, they can:

• Charge you in your absence
• Send you a postal requisition to appear at court
• You'll face prosecution without ever giving your account

6. Bail Conditions & Court Restrictions

When eventually arrested, you're more likely to face strict bail conditions or be remanded in custody because you've demonstrated you won't cooperate voluntarily.

Q: It says "voluntary" - so I don't have to go, right?

Wrong. "Voluntary" means you're not under arrest at that moment. But refusing to attend will likely result in your arrest. It's voluntary in name only.

Q: Can police force me to attend a voluntary interview?

Technically no - it's called "voluntary" because you're not under arrest^[1]. However, if you refuse to attend voluntarily, police will almost certainly arrest you and conduct the same interview in custody^[2]. The interview happens either way - you just choose whether to attend voluntarily or be arrested. Attending voluntarily looks much better and avoids the trauma of arrest.

Q: Can I just ignore it and hope it goes away?

No. Police investigations don't disappear. Ignoring contact makes things significantly worse. The allegation remains and you'll eventually be arrested.

Q: What if police come to my door?

If police arrive at your home, stay calm and be polite. You do NOT have to answer questions or let them in (unless they have a warrant). Simply say "I will contact my solicitor and arrange to attend the station with legal representation." Take their details and call us immediately on 01732 247427. Do not engage in discussion - anything you say can be used as evidence.

Q: Can I be arrested after a voluntary interview?

Yes. If during the voluntary interview police believe they have grounds to arrest you, they can arrest you immediately. This might happen if you make admissions, contradict evidence, or if they decide to search your home. This is why having a solicitor present is crucial - we ensure you don't say anything that gives police grounds for immediate arrest.

Q: Can I leave a voluntary police interview?

Yes - you're not under arrest so you can leave at any time. However, walking out mid-interview looks terrible and will likely result in your immediate arrest. If the interview is going badly, your solicitor will advise whether to pause, seek further advice, or exercise your right to silence. Never storm out - it destroys your credibility and guarantees prosecution.

Q: What if I'm innocent - shouldn't I just tell them that?

Never attend without legal advice - even if you're innocent. Innocent people regularly damage their cases by speaking without a solicitor present. You need professional guidance.

Q: Will attending make me look guilty?

No - attending with your solicitor shows you're cooperating responsibly. NOT attending makes you look like you're hiding something.

Q: How much does legal representation cost?

Nothing. Police station advice and representation is FREE under Legal Aid. There's no means test and no forms to complete. Everyone qualifies.