I can have a go at answering some of the points you raise.
3. My understanding is that any arranged interview under caution (IUC) would be clearly stated in the letter requesting it. I would expect that the letter would briefly explain legal rights, caution etc. I do not think the old style caution can be used anymore. The caution of '...but it may harm your defence if you do not mention WHEN QUESTIONED something you later rely on in court...' is the main thing to be aware of. The right to silence remains, however a court may now take inference from anything that is later brought up in court, that was not mentioned during an IUC. Wether someone seeks advice from a criminal solictor first is a personal choice. I have found that if the person to be interviewed has a good idea what it is about, then they would normally seek advice prior to the interview, discuss it with the solicitor, and then decide if the solictor should also attend. Anyone being interviewed should know what subject they are there to discuss (Benefits, tenancy issues etc). I know that DWP and LA practice for arranging IUCs do vary considerably.
4. Staying silent can work both ways depending on the weight of evidence the investigator has.
6. IUCs are governed by PACE, probably 99% of these IUCs will be tape recorded. Most legal reps do take notes during IUCs, but only if further action is to be taken do they normally ask for a copy of the tape (the procedure for which is explained).
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