Your rights, in plain English

The basics of what you can ask for if the police stop, question or arrest you. General information only.

If the police stop, question or arrest you, there are some things you can ask for. Here are the basics.

You can ask for a solicitor
You can ask at any point. You do not have to wait for the police to offer.
Advice is private
You can talk to a solicitor on your own, without the police in the room.
You can ask for someone to be told
You can ask for a family member or friend to know where you are.
You can ask for help
If you need an interpreter, or you feel unwell, say so and ask for help.
General information only. It is not advice about your own case. Ring us for that.

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.

Still not sure?

Ring any time, day or night. We will listen, explain where you stand and tell you what comes next.