Information » Law & Rights » Your Legal Rights and Legal Advice » Arrested
- If the police suspect that you have committed a crime they will arrest you. Once you have been arrested you will lose certain freedoms but you will still have certain rights these include;
- The right to be told by the police what you've been arrested for
- You have the right for someone to be notified that you have been arrested.
- If you are under 17 and are detained by the police, an appropriate adult, usually your parent or guardian should be informed as soon as possible.
- The police should not arrest you until your parent is present, unless a delay would mean immediate risk or harm to someone, or serious loss or damage to property.
- You have the right to see a solicitor in private. If you cannot afford a solicitor or have no idea how to contact one then one will be provided for you
- You have the right to be treated humanely and with respect
You have the right to choose not to say anything once you have been arrested i.e. you have the right to silence
- Once you have been arrested the police can only detain you for a certain amount of time, usually 24 hours, but if the offence is serious this can be extended to 36 hours. The police can apply to a magistrate's court and have the time extended to 96 hours. At the end of this time you would normally be charged or released.
