Quick answer
Yes, you should have a lawyer, and asking for one does not make you look guilty; it is your legal right and using it is completely normal and expected. This applies even to a voluntary interview under caution, because although you have not been arrested, anything you say is still evidence and an interview under...
Guidance for United Kingdom. General information, not legal advice.
The police have asked me to come in for a voluntary interview under caution. I have not been arrested. Do I actually need a lawyer, or does asking for one make me look guilty?
Yes, you should have a lawyer, and asking for one does not make you look guilty; it is your legal right and using it is completely normal and expected. This applies even to a voluntary interview under caution, because although you have not been arrested, anything you say is still evidence and an interview under caution is a serious matter. Importantly, legal advice at the police station is free to everyone regardless of income, either from your own lawyer or from the duty lawyer, so cost is not a reason to go without. A lawyer can find out what the allegation is before the interview, advise you on whether and how to answer questions, and make sure the process is fair. The caution warns that it may harm your defence if you fail to mention something you later rely on, which is exactly why proper advice on what to say is so valuable.
My strong practical advice is not to attend the interview without speaking to a lawyer first. Tell the police you want legal advice and they should arrange it or wait while you do. Do not assume that because it is voluntary it is trivial, and do not try to talk your way out of it alone, because well-meaning answers given without advice can cause real problems later. This is general information rather than advice on your particular situation, and given what is at stake you should get representation.
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