What To Do If You Are Arrested
Getting arrested by the police can be scary and confusing. Know your rights and the whole experience will be a lot easier to handle. These films explain what's going to happen if you're arrested, what the police have to tell you, how long they can hold you for and what rights you can expect to be given if you get your collar felt.
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Step 1:
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On Arrest
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If you are arrested by the police, keep calm and try not to panic. Even though you have been arrested, you have the right to be treated fairly and with respect by the police. You also have the right to ask why you have been arrested and you don't have to answer any of the questions asked by the police.
However, make sure you co-operate with the police and do not resist arrest, otherwise you could be charged for committing a further offence.
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Step 2:
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At the Police Station
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When you are arrested, you will be taken to the local police station. Here, you will be told you have three rights. These are:
1) the right to speak to a solicitor free of charge
2) the right to tell a friend or family member that you have been arrested
3) the right to consult the rules and regulations of how police treat detainees.
It is a good idea to exercise two of these rights; the right to speak to a solicitor and the right to call someone to let them know you have been arrested.
Before questioning you are usually kept in a police cell. Do not panic at this point, the police cannot lock you up indefinitely. The police can only keep you for a set period of time, normally a maximum of 24 hours (36 hours for a serious arrestable offence).
The police may also take your photograph, fingerprints and DNA samples.
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Step 3:
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Being Questioned
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When being questioned, take advantage of your right to have legal support and request a solicitor to accompany you whilst being interviewed. If you are under 17 years old, you are also allowed an adult to sit with you whilst being interviewed.
You still do not have to answer any questions that the police may ask you although once you have a solicitor with you, they will be able to provide advice and support whilst you are being interviewed.
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Step 4:
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Being Charged
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If the police decide that there is enough evidence to charge you, you will be given a charge sheet which will contains details of the offence you are charged for, when and where you are due to appear in court and the terms of your bail.
If you are released without being charged, you will not be issued with a criminal record and you will be free to go.