I've been Arrested! What Next?

NOTE: we are only able to help with arrests following protest or actions. For any other reason please contact a solicitor directly.

It might have been unexpected, or you might have gone in knowing that the only way out was in handcuffs. Either way, an arrest can be a worrying time and information can be hard to come by.

You might have been:

  • charged with an offence
  • bailed to return to a police station
  • released under investigation
  • released without charge or bail
  • released having accepted a caution

Your priorities now are to contact us, contact a solicitor, and write a statement of what happened. This guide runs you through those steps, and answers common questions on what happens next.

  1. How we can help
  2. Solicitors
  3. Writing statements and gathering evidence
  4. Social media
  5. Bail
  6. Personal belongings
  7. Defendants meetings
  8. Media
  9. Police complaints
  10. Emotional support

Key Messages

  • No Comment
  • You do not need to answer police questions, so don’t.

  • No Personal Details
  • You don't have to give details under ANY stop and search power.

  • No Duty Solicitor
  • Use a recommended solicitor with protest experience.

  • No Caution
  • They admit guilt for an alleged offence that might never get to court.

  • What Power?
  • Ask "What power?" to challenge a police officer to act lawfully.

Elsewhere