Rights on arrest
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What to expect if you are taken under the care and control of the law.Arrested
As soon as you are arrested, you have the right to know why you have been arrested. At the police station you are entitled to:
- See a solicitor free of charge;
- Have someone told where you are;
- Read a copy of the Police Codes Of Practice.
You cannot normally be held for more than 24 hours without being charged or released (in serious cases this can be extended with court approval).
Questioning
You must give the police your name and address but you have the right after that to stay silent. However, if the case goes to trial, your failure to answer questions may strengthen the case against you.
There are clear rules governing police questioning, designed to stop unfair pressure being placed on a suspect.
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