Your first hour
Arrested, or asked to come in for questions? Here is what happens, one calm step at a time.
Your first hour
Police want to talk to you? Here is what happens, one step at a time. Take it at your own pace.
Step 1 of 6Right now
Take a breath
Whether you have been arrested or only asked to come in, your heart will be racing. That is normal. You do not have to sort this out alone, and you do not have to say anything yet.
Step 2 of 6At the station
Ask for a solicitor
You can ask at any point, and you do not have to wait to be offered one. Advice at the police station is free. Then ring us, or ask the police to call us.
You can say“I would like a solicitor, please.”
Step 3 of 6Before any questions
We talk in private
We listen to your side and find out what the police are saying. We explain it in plain words, so you can decide what to do with the facts in front of you.
Step 4 of 6During questions
We sit beside you
You are not on your own in that room. We are next to you for every question, and you can ask to stop and talk to us whenever you need to.
You can say“Can I have a moment with my solicitor?”
Step 5 of 6When it ends
We explain what is next
Whatever happens next, we go through it with you: any dates, anything you have to do, and who to ring. You are not left to work it out alone.
Step 6 of 6Any hour
Ring us now
If this is happening now, one call is all it takes. A real person answers, day or night, and tells you what to do next.
Ring now, 24 hours01234 567 890Not arrested, but the police want a word?
Ring us before you go in. You can ask for a solicitor to come with you.
Everyone here has sat beside someone on the worst day of their year.
We will not judge you. We will listen, explain and stand by you.
- 24hours a day, every day, a real person answers
- £0for advice at the police station
- 1named solicitor looking after you
Questions people ask us
Open any file to read the answer. Cannot see yours? Just ask.
What should I do if I am arrested?
Stay calm and ask for a solicitor. Then ring us, day or night. We will tell you what to do next.
Do I have to pay at the police station?
Advice at the police station is free. For anything else, we explain the cost in writing before you decide.
Can you come out at night?
Yes. Our phone is answered day and night, and we send a solicitor to you.
Should I answer the police’s questions?
Please speak to a solicitor first. We explain your options before any questions, so you can decide with the facts.
The police asked me to come in. Is that serious?
It might be nothing, or it might be. Either way, you can ask for a solicitor to come with you. Ring us before you go.
Will you tell my family?
Only if you ask us to. What you tell us stays private.
I am worried about going to court.
That is normal. We explain what will happen, go with you and speak for you.
Do you help young people?
Yes. We help young people and their parents, with extra care.
Worried? Talk it through with us.
Ring any time, day or night. We will listen, explain where you stand and tell you what comes next.
- Answered day and night
- Free at the station
- Plain English